Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick (R,C,I-Smithtown) and the Assembly Minority Conference hosted a ‘Rosie the Riveter’ event last week to honor women from across Long Island who, during World War II, supported the war effort by joining the American workforce in manufacturing plants. Pictured above with Assemblyman Fitzpatrick is Ethel Lauritsen, who worked as a riveter in the wind section of P-47 fighter planes during the war. “With men serving their country abroad during World War II, the nation found itself with a significant shortage of factory workers,” said Fitzpatrick. “The country was desperate to keep up wartime production, and six million courageous women answered the call. They broke through traditional stereotypes, took on industrial and manufacturing jobs, and played a vital role in our success both overseas and here at home.”