By Staff Sgt. Alexandra M. Longfellow, 509th Bomb Wing
Public Affairs / Published March 18, 2015
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. (AFNS) -- As we recognize
Women's History Month this March, I am struck by the thought that heroes and
role models do not have to be one single person but, in fact, can be several
people. For me, this truth is especially relevant.
During World War II, many women opted to take on male
dominated trades to support their families while their husbands fought in the
war. This was a stark change from an era in which women typically held a
position as housewives.
It was during this time that "Rosie the Riveter"
was born. In 1942, Veronica Foster, who had in the previous year become the
face of Canadian women in the war effort as "Ronnie the Bren Gun
Girl," donned the red bandana and rolled up her sleeves for Canada's
neighbors to the south.
"Rosie the Riveter," as she was known in the U.S.,
was soon the iconic image of women entering the workplace and taking up
industrial jobs in support of their nation.
Originally, it was meant to represent the millions of women
employed at shipyards and manufacturing plants who were developing the nation's
military arsenal and assembling war supplies. The poster itself evolved into a
multi-dimensional inspiration.
Shortly thereafter, Redd Evans and John Jacob Loeb wrote a
song in tribute to Rosie, which became very popular.
"All the day long,
Where rain or shine
She's part of the assembly line.
She's making history,
Working for victory
Rosie the Riveter"
Even today, Rosie's signature expression and inherent
strength are an inspiration to millions of Americans, myself included.
I first learned about Rosie when I was seven. My mom handed
me a magazine to look through and I saw the bright yellow and blue background
overlaid with a girl showing her muscles. I was so intrigued by the girl in the
red polka-dot bandana.
From that moment on, I constantly asked my parents who she
was, what she did and why she did it. I wanted to be exactly like her when I
grew up.
I pushed myself hard in high school. During those years, we
learned my mother had brain cancer, while my father's health would go from bad
to worse. I needed to learn to support myself in any and every way possible. I
needed to be independent. I applied myself at school, extra-curricular
activities and several different jobs.
My parents signed the papers for me to enter the Air Force
at the age of 17. Three weeks after I graduated high school, I was on a plane
headed to San Antonio, Texas, for basic military training.
Although I do not get my hands dirty on an assembly line
every day the way Rosie did, I still pull my hair back tight and use my hands
to get the job done for our military and to provide for my family.
Every time I felt I could not do something, whether in BMT
or at my duty station, I remembered the millions of women who rose above and
conquered what others thought they could not.
My mother passed away while I was at my first duty station
and shortly after that my father passed. During those times, I kept a positive
attitude. I needed to; it was who I was and who I needed to be.
I had a can-do attitude and knew I was not alone. Thinking
of Rosie helped me get back up on my feet and continue to do good things with
my life and become a better Airman, a better me.
I am a single mother of two children, full-time student and
a military career woman. I give 100 percent in every aspect in my life. I am a
real life Rosie.
I have a tattoo of Rosie on my right arm as a symbol of how
I became who I am today. Rosie taught me that all people, not just women, can
do anything they want as long as they set their mind to it -- and history shows
that.
World War II represented a major turning point for women as
they eagerly supported the war effort. The long-term significance of the change
brought about by the war provided the foundation for the contemporary women's
movement.
Although women have made tremendous progress during the past
50 years, Rosie the Riveter still stands as a beacon of inspiration and
determination.
The "We Can Do It" poster means so much to women
in America -- a symbol that illustrates both a proud legacy and the challenges
they will continue to face and conquer in the future.
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