A Rosie the Riveter
February 19, 2008 – 7:00 amA Rosie the Riveter
Although not many of you have posted comments on my blog, I do receive stories and memories from a number of you. Today I want to include these words from my friend Kathy.
On Jan. 25th and 26th, I attended the VFW Convention in Lancaster, Pa. with my friend, Peg George. Peg spoke Friday evening about her book We Knew We Were at War: Women Remember WWII, telling her audience why she felt compelled to write the book and a bit about its contents: true stories written by women who had served in the armed forces, had worked in the factories, performed tasks at home to support the war effort, and accepted responsibilities during the absence of the men of their families that they never considered possible.
The next day we had many visitors at our table where we were selling the book, both men and women who told us of their experiences while serving in the armed forces.
One woman in particular caught my attention by the palpable emotion she displayed while telling us the story of her mother. She declared that her mother was one of the Rosy the Riveters who worked in a factory for the duration of the war, and she told her daughter very often that it was one of the happiest times in her life. She was so proud of her participation in this endeavor, knowing that what she was doing was essential to our winning the battle for freedom. Moreover, she was proud that she had the ability to do this work and to earn a salary at the same time that she enjoyed the camaraderie of the women with whom she worked.
That mother, it seems to me, was one of many women who began women’s journey to equality in the work force, to recognition that women were capable and responsible workers. We owe much to such forerunners in the progress of women’s rights.
For another Rosie the Riveter story, read about my book at www.PegGeorge.com.
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