Guest Post: Ernie Smith, Associations Now
Rosie the Riveter is said to be associated with a real woman, Rose Will Monroe, who worked at the Willow Run Aircraft Factory in Ypsilanti, Michigan, with 40,000 other women building B-24 bombers for the U.S. Air Force.
The American Rosie the Riveter Association (ARRA) Michigan’s Willow Run Chapter in Ypsilanti continued to honor the “Rosies,” even during the past year of social isolation. Their efforts were more than a social boost for the women, they became a lifeline.
The iconic World War II image of Rosie the Riveter with the galvanizing “We can do it!” slogan personifies the remarkable contributions millions of women made during the war, stepping into war production jobs to fill in for the men who were fighting overseas. ARRA makes sure the important role they played in answering their country’s call is not forgotten.
Since the Rosies couldn’t participate in any of their usual in-person events because of the pandemic, the chapter brainstormed on ways to reach out to the women. “We had to come up with other things we could do to encourage the ladies to feel like they’re still loved and cared for,” said Nancy J. Zajac, ARRA Michigan’s director.
