Celebration for "Rosie the Riveters" from WWII

More than two dozen former “Rosie the Riveters” were flown to Washington, D.C., last week to visit its military monuments to mark Women's History Month.

Rosie the Riveters were women who worked the factories during World War II, producing munitions and war supplies critical to an Allied victory.

The honor flight, made possible by The Ford Motor Company Fund and the Yankee Air Museum, in partnership with Talons Out Honor Flight, brought dozens of original Rosies, now in their 80s and 90s, from the Detroit area to honor and celebrate them and their lasting contributions to the country. 

The honor flights provide one-day trips for veterans to visit Washington's monuments and memorials. The Ford Motor Company Fund has sponsored 10 such flights.

“It was a tremendous honor to be able to welcome dozens of original Rosies to our nation’s capital to honor them for their selfless service during World War II,” said U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-12) and Candice Miller (MI-10) in a joint statement. 

“These women are true trailblazers who stepped up during one of the most turbulent times in our nation’s history to build planes, tanks and other necessities for the war effort and forever redefined the role of women in the workplace. We will always be thankful for their strength and gusto, which was integral to getting a tough job done, and their unwavering American spirit, which continues to inspire us all.”

The day included visits to the World War II Memorial, the Women in Military Service Memorial and a luncheon on Capitol Hill. 

The Rosie Honor Flight comes after more than 2,000 women, including 43 Original Rosies, gathered at the former Willow Run Bomber Plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan to take back the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of Rosie the Riveters since WWII.

Dozens of flag-waving well-wishers greeted the women as their plane arrived. 

Each Rosie carries the nickname “Cookie.”