Tag Archives: world war II

Will the Real ‘Rosie the Riveter’ Please Stand Up?

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pGrowing up, I loved visiting my grandmother Dorothy’s house (we affectionately called her Dot – not grandma! She said it made her feel old).

Not long before she passed away, I noticed a picture of Rosie the Riveter in her living room. I don’t know why I hadn’t observed it before. It was so fitting.

She was one of the six million women Rosie represents who joined the workforce during World War II to replace American men who had enlisted. She was tough. She was patriotic. And she exemplified Rosie’s mantra that “We Can Do It.”

If Rosie had been a real person, the two would have undoubtedly shared a kinship.

Wait! Rosie the Riveter was a fictional character?

Well, yes and no … but mainly yes.

This fascinating History Channel video tells Rosie’s story.

A few fun facts:

  • Between 1940 and 1945, the female demographic in the United States workforce jumped from 27% to 37%. Half of those women held jobs in the defense industry.
  • The original depiction of Rosie was painted by Norman Rockwell and appeared in the 1943 Memorial Day issue of the Saturday Evening Post. His inspiration? A dental hygienist named Mary Keefe.

Business Owner and World War II Vet Collects Diploma, Ovation

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Great article today from Mike Bennett of the Richmond Palladium-Item (and picked up by the Indianapolis Star) that features the story of an Indiana business owner who’s getting his due:

FOUNTAIN CITY, Ind. — Bonnie Roark joined the Army as the youngest soldier in his company during World War II.

He fought for two months in the 710th Tank Battalion in the bloodiest island battle in the Pacific Theater.

The 84-year-old started Alpha Water Conditioning in 1968 without having a nickel in the bank and built it into 150 dealerships in 38 states.

His hard work and can-do spirit are well known in Fountain City, where recently he and fellow Lions Club members helped build a housing project for senior citizens.

But until Saturday night, he had never walked in another graduate’s shoes.

"I just expected to go up and pick up my diploma and walk out," Roark said Monday.

But the principal and welcoming seniors of Randolph Southern had something else in mind after they received theirs. The lights were turned down and candles were lit. The choir sang.

Principal Mike Manning told the audience about Roark’s service record, which includes two Bronze Stars, and invited him forward.

With tears in his eyes, Roark picked up the parchment he should have received from the Class of 1944 at Spartanburg High School. The crowd erupted in a standing ovation.

"I’ve never had one of those before," Roark said. "That was probably the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Even all the kids came around and shook my hand."

Hat tip to Chamber staffer Tim Brewer.