Rosie the Riveter: Wearing Her Red and White Polka Dot Bandana to Honor Rosie

Post #28 – Rosie’s Daughters: The “First Woman To” Generation Tells Its Story by Matilda Butler and Kendra Bonnett

Although many women enjoy wearing their Rosie the Riveter red and white polka dot bandana throughout the year, Halloween in a special time to show it off. Today we are beginning a series
of posts that tell you the story behind the decision that some women made to wear our Rosie the Riveter Legacy Bandana. We were impressed and think you will find them interesting.

I had heard about Rosie as I grew up, but I was introduced to her on a much more personal level when I took a group to visit the USS BATFISH SUBMARINE in Muskogee, OK.  It was then that I had a real understanding of the demand that was laid upon our American ladies and the results we provided…it was a moment that gave me true pleasure to be a woman. It was good to see, when our nation was at a vulnerable point, it was the women of America that put the strength in our feet, our legs, our muscle and in our backbone.  

My generation, and my daughters’ generation, did not have the demands Rosie faced. We actually had an overflow of convenience. But I can still relate to her image and how important it is to work hard, with our mind and bodies, supporting our men, our children, our nation to be the best it can be from the very inside out.

From the days of old, even back in the Old Testament, a woman of virtue was not one who just looked pretty and kept house, but one who was in the work force on various levels, supporting all who were around her, with her wisdom and with her skills. In my world, I work alongside my husband doing whatever it takes to make our dreams, our lives, and our world a better place.

I’d like to think there’s a bit of Rosie in me, and in my three daughters as well. WE CAN DO IT!! 🙂

Grace to you always,
Rebecca Olstroem