Category: Women

Tim Cooper, Family 1st Defense

In Search of the Real Rosie the Riveter

Do you remember Rosie? She was a young woman in her mid-20s when the U.S. was pulled into World War II in 1941. The iconic poster of her flexing her bicep and clenching her fist has captured the imagination of millions of patriots for more than 75 years.

During World War II, Michigan was home to the largest bomber manufacturing plant in the world. At that time, women stepped up in unprecedented numbers to staff this plant — and others around the country — to fill the vacancies left by the men fighting overseas. These women who belonged to the Greatest Generation, became collectively known as “Rosie the Riveter.”

My latest contribution to “Coffee of Die” magazine pays tribute to Rosie and recounts the incredible story of the Willow Run bomber plant in Ypslanti, MI.