THE ROSIES ARE COMING TO PORTLAND
For the first time ever, the American Rosie the Riveter Association is having its annual convention in Portland, June 8-11. Fifteen original WWII Rosies, ages 94-101, along with 80 of their family and friends will join for fellowship and fun.
Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront 1401 S.W. Naito Parkway, Portland 97201
Friday, June 9, 4:00-5:30 p.m.: Rosie Open House – Public and media welcome. (Free event)
Come visit with WWII Rosies! These amazing women and their stories are memorable, fun, and a part of our American History. Come ask questions and listen to this generation of women reminisce; ask questions about their reflections; enjoy living history and be inspired!
The Portland Rose Festival Foundation will give our World War II Rosies a special gift at 4:30.
Saturday, June 10, 10:00 a.m.: Grand Floral Parade, Portland Rose Festival. Rosies will be riding on a special floral-constructed float, designed by Rose Festival creators and sponsored by BOEING Aircraft.
Friday June 9, Saturday June 10 and Sunday June 11: ARRA will have their convention activities, meetings and dinners honoring the Rosies, including a Memorial Ceremony remembering those we have lost, but who continue to inspire us.
Sunday, June 11: The ARRA Convention concludes with a brunch cruise on the Willamette River aboard the Portland Spirit.
WHO ARE THE ROSIES?
Over 6 million women answered the call to serve their country on the Home Front during World War II. Now they are known collectively as Rosie the Riveters. They came from all over our country and they worked as riveters, welders, plane spotters, crane operators, uniform makers, bullet makers, parts makers, parachute folders, clerical workers, shipyard workers, farmers, Red Cross, and much more. Rosies were daughters, mothers, sisters, wives and grandmothers. They had family members who served and sacrificed. They did the best work they could, because they knew the troops were counting on them.
The American Rosie the Riveter Association exists to honor women who served the war efforts on the Home Front during WWII, from 1941-1945. The Association also wants to nurture patriotism, preserve the history of those who served and inspire future generations.
Written 6/1/2023 by Dr. Yvonne Fasold, a Rosebud who lives in Eugene, Oregon (My mother was a WWII welder.)
cell #541-953-0394; fasold@uoregon.edu
Portland Convention Coordinator 2023 and Past National President of ARRA
ARRA is an all-volunteer 501 (c) (3) organization founded in 1998