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Our hearts are heavy as we say goodbye to “Rosie the Riveter” Lila Tomek, who passed away at the remarkable age of 101, a steadfast symbol of courage on the home front and a quiet hero of World War II. At just 19 years old, Lila set aside the safety of an office job in Pawnee City, Nebraska, and answered her country’s call. With her two younger brothers heading into harm’s way, one to Europe, the other to the far reaches of the Pacific, she chose to serve in her own battle, stepping onto the factory floor at the Glenn L. Martin Bomber Plant near Omaha. There, amid the roar of machinery and the weight of history, her hands helped assemble the mighty B-26 Marauder and B-29 Superfortress, aircraft that carried the hopes of a nation at war. As the conflict neared its end, Lila was entrusted with a top-secret mission, preparing aircraft for a purpose she would not understand until history revealed it. She worked without questions, without recognition, driven by duty alone, proof that bravery does not always wear a uniform. When the war ended, Lila returned home, married Rudy Tomek, raised a family, and continued a life of service through volunteerism and community care. Her strength was steady, her humility profound, her legacy enduring. Today, we honor a woman who built victory with her hands, carried sacrifice in her heart, and lived a century defined by service. Rest in peace, Lila. Your rivets still hold history together, and your courage will never fade.