VALENTINES FOR VETS

We rolled up our sleeves to help some Rosie the Riveters in crafting Valentines for veterans. The Eastern Michigan Women Ordnance Workers chapter of the American Rosie the Riveter Association held the event which included some of the actual ladies who worked on wartime assembly lines producing airplanes, tanks, and other military equipment during World War II.  Anyone was welcome to stop into the Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society museum to join in making some handcrafted Valentine's Day cards to be distributed by WOW members at the Vets Returning Home Center in Roseville, Michigan.

My daughter met a number of actual "Rosie the Riveters" who had taken over gritty manufacturing jobs previously held exclusively by men prior to WWII as they supported the war effort providing the Asian and European military theaters with supplies for Allied troops fighting the Axis alliance. We took some pictures with 92 year old Mary who worked on an assembly line helping put together B-26 bomber aircraft at a plant in Detroit.

Rosie the Riveter has become an iconic feminist symbol highlighting the contributions women made during World War II in providing the muscle of America's arsenal of democracy in manufacturing facilities across the country. The term first originated in a 1943 song by Redd Evans titled "Rosie the Riveter"

All the day long, whether rain or shine She's a part of the assembly line She's making history, working for victory-- Rosie, brrrrrr, the riveter. 

Keeps a sharp lookout for sabotage Sitting up there on the fuselage. That little frail can do more than a male can do-- Rosie, brrrrrr, the riveter.

Rosie's got a boyfriend, Charlie. 

Charlie, he's a Marine. 

Rosie is protecting Charlie, workin' overtime on the riveting machine. 

When they gave her a production "E," she was as proud as a girl could be! 

There's something true about--red, white, and blue about--Rosie, brrrr, the riveter.

Based upon the popularity of the song, posters depicting "Rosie the Riveter" were used by the Canadian and United States governments to promote civilian initiatives and moral during World War II. It is believed the look of Rosie was based upon a woman named Rose Will Monroe who worked as a riveter in the Willow Run Aircraft Factory building B-24 bomber planes. She was featured in a promotional film about the war effort at home that was playing in movie theaters around the same time Evans song was becoming a national hit. The two coincided to create the classic image of Rosie the Riveter that has become a national symbol of equality and patriotism.

Rosie the Riveter wasn't just a symbol though. There were millions of real life Rosie the Riveters who were in their teens, twenties and thirties during World War II with the ones who are still with us now in their eighties, nineties, and some are over a hundred years old. Many of these elderly women are still helping the soldiers participating in WOW chapters doing activities such as making holiday cards for veterans and preparing care packages for active duty troops overseas. Plus they make an effort to continue to keep the memory of Rosie the Riveter alive with new generations of girls like my own daughter. It was a great experience to spend some time with a few of these real life Rosie the Riveters.

Meant to preserve and promote the history of the Arsenal of Democracy, the Michigan Military Technical and Historical Society incorporates WOW chapter events into the programming at its Eastpointe museum. The Michigan Military Technical and Historical Society museum houses a variety of exhibits in its 11,000 square foot museum that showcase locally manufactured equipment, uniforms, weapons and vehicles utilized by the United States armed forces from World War I through the present day. This volunteer-driven museum is located at 16600 Stephens Road, Eastpointe Michigan 48021 and is open on weekends. Saturdays 10 am - 5pm + Sundays Noon to 4pm. For more information, go to mimths.org

THE BOOK OF HEROINES

March is both National Reading Month and Women's History Month so what better time to have children read NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KiDS THE BOOK OF HEROINES -- TALES OF HISTORY'S GUTSIEST GALS to encourage reading while also highlighting with boys and girls noteworthy achievements and advancements made by females that have changed the world.  This 176 page hardcover book that is aimed for children between the ages of 8 and 12 years old is filled with  illustrations and photographs that enhance the profiles of more than 100 women who have left their mark on history.   These real life stories of women making a difference in the world is sure to inspire and have a constructive impact on young readers.  THE BOOK OF HEROINES shows that while fictional super heroes are cool there are plenty of real life people to look up to as role models in our lives.

The book made an immediate impact on my daughter who dreams of being a competitive swimmer and inspirational examples of women athletes really has motivate her.  Especially the segment on  Gertrude Ederle who set the world record for both males and females in establishing the fastest time swimming the English Channel which remained unbroken for 24 years.  THE BOOK OF HEROINES highlights women who are currently some of the world's top athletes such as swimmer Katie Ledecky, ballerina Misty Copeland, and downhill skier Lindsey Vonn. It also tells the stories of groundbreaking athletes such as race car driver Janet Guthrie, tennis player Billie Jean King and gymnast Larisa Latynina.  Sports aren't just for boys and the examples provided in THE BOOK OF HEROINES reinforces that important message.

As the dad of a elementary aged daughter, I don't want their to be any doubts in her mind that she can achieve whatever aspirations she has in life.  National Geographic Kids' THE BOOK OF HEROINES really is a great resource for reinforcing that she should never allow gender biases or stereotypes to hold her back from personal and professional goals and dreams.  This book highlights that women can tackle any job they set their sights on through sharing the stories of Lt. Brenda Berkman (a female New York City firefighter who responded to the 9/11 terrorist attack), Col, Jeannie Leavitt (the first female fighter pilot), Dr. Sally Ride (the first American woman to travel into outer space).  There are also some engaging examples of women scientists and inventors to help motivate girls to have an interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) employment fields which are currently lacking in female professionals .  Read about Marie Curie's discovery of radioactivity, chemist Stephanie Kwolek designing the super strong material Kevlar, and Mary Anderson inventing the automobile windshield wipers that are a standard part on most vehicles today but were a true innovation in 1903.

THE BOOK OF HEROINES also tells the story of Geraldine Hoff Doyle who was inspiration for artist J. Howard Miller's ROSIE THE RIVETER posters the government commissioned during World War II to recruit female factory workers needed to replaced the men who had gone to serve in the military.  Rosie the Riveter has become a cultural icon and a symbol for the modern feminist movement.  This book has numerous examples like this of how women living average lives with common day responsibilities have made a positive difference in our society.

Everybody needs a role model and  THE BOOK OF HEROINES -- TALES OF HISTORY'S GUTSIEST GALS is full of historical figures and present day leaders for children to learn about.  A great read for helping girls have self-confidence in themselves at school and within the workplace as well as for boys in helping them build an appreciation and respect for the opposite sex.  I've been having both my son and daughter read this book from National Geographic Kids and they've both really gotten a lot out of it.

A Geek Daddy is a member of the National Geographic Kids Insider blogger program. Insiders get a behind-the-scenes look at National Geographic’s resources, activities, content and projects for kids and families. They also review copies of books, magazines and toys, and are offered interviews with authors, explorers and editors. I do not receive any financial compensation for my participation as a National Geographic Kids Insider.