Celebrating the “Rosies” who made a difference
By Barb Pert Templeton
The WWII Memorial Legacy will present an evening for women to honor and celebrate the role Michigan Women played in WWII, also named the war that changed the world.
All are invited to attend and celebrate the women who made a difference and the evening will include special guests U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and several original Rosie the Riveters.
The special event is set for Monday, March 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Bell’s Lounge by Valentine Distilling in Ferndale. Tickets include dinner and one drink ticket for a cost of $80.
The Michigan WWII Women’s Legacy strives to carry on the legacy of Rosie the Riveters
and are seeking founding members of the Rosie the Riveter Society The cost of the upcoming event will be utilized towards membership in the society.
Formerly known as “Rosie the Riveters,” these women were recruited into the defense industry to perform jobs formerly relegated to men. “Rosies” became an important part of the war effort stepping into jobs left by thousands of men who were serving in WWII. The jobs included work at aviation and munitions factories.
The upcoming event honoring “Rosies” is being hosted by The WWII Legacy Memorial, the site is our state’s official tribute to the warfront and home front contributions in the war. Located at Memorial Park in Royal Oak, it is a place to celebrate freedom and honor the sacrifice of Michigan’s Greatest Generation plus educate and inspire current and future generations.
U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and several original Rosies will be at the March 18 event in Ferndale.
The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial is a non-profit founded by a group of volunteers who have worked tirelessly since 2007 to design a space to engage and educate the community on the vision, values, and heroic efforts of the Greatest Generation.
A formal groundbreaking ceremony for the Memorial was held in April 2022. When it’s completed, at Memorial Park in Royal Oak, it will include nine statues and a Walk of Honor with 1,200 bricks honoring veterans from any war plus civilians and organizations who support the project. There will also be a Wall of Stars that will honor the 15,458 Michigan lives lost during WWII. With a total of 1,300 stars, each star will represent approximately 11 of those heroes.
When the WWII Legacy Memorial was officially opened in 2022 there were several Rosie the Riveter groups representing women who worked in factories during the war.
At that time, Bette Kenward, of Imlay City, has been active with the Rosies for a number of years and is president of the Easter Michigan Wow Chapter. She told Blue Water Healthy Living that her grandmother, Marion Chapin, was a Rosie, working in a munitions factory during WWII.
Honoring all the women who left their homes to go to work in factories in place of their men during the war is something that some try to turn into an empowerment thing today, but the reality is they simply wanted to do something for their country and help bring their men home, Kenward said.
“They are all very humble and did this for patriotism and for their country,” she added.
Michigan has an incredible WWII story. Over 600,000 joined the Armed Forces; 15,458 never came home. On the home front, every aspect of life was altered. Women played an integral role, and their contributions were significant.
The upcoming special event is expected to honor those women who made a difference and raise funds to complete the Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial.
The Mission of the Rosie the Riveter Society is to raise $100,000 in new gifts annually. The society gifts will sustain The Michigan WWII Legacy and create educational opportunities for the next generation.
Each year members will be inducted into the Rosie the Riveter Society at a special luncheon. At his event we will honor contributing members and provide an opportunity for prospective members to join the cause. Fully funded 2024 memberships will be afforded additional benefits including a Founding Member leadership role.
To register for the upcoming event for “The Rosies” go to michiganww2memorial.og.
