National WWII Museum Honors 30-Plus Rosie the Riveters on D-Day's 82nd Anniversary
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 7
National WWII Museum Honors 30-Plus Rosie the Riveters on D-Day's 82nd Anniversary
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 7
Summary
More than 30 surviving Rosie the Riveters gathered in New Orleans, where the National WWII Museum honored them during its annual D-Day commemoration and presented them with its 2026 American Spirit Award.
The ceremony tied their factory and shipyard work to Operation Overlord, the June 6, 1944 invasion involving more than 150,000 Allied troops, underscoring how home-front production sustained the assault on Nazi-occupied France.
The women represented the millions who entered defense industries during World War II, taking on welding, riveting, aircraft assembly and munitions jobs as labor shortages opened roles long reserved for men.
Individual stories highlighted that legacy: Delphine Klaput, 101, guarded aircraft blueprints in Baltimore, while Francesca Masters, 104, earned $1 an hour building B-24 bombers at Willow Run and sent much of her pay home.
Museum officials said the Rosies' impact reached beyond wartime output, helping reshape women's place in American society as the number of surviving members of that generation rapidly dwindles.
Beyond the factories, what were the untold stories of women who served as spies and pilots during World War II?
After building the arsenal for victory, what became of the millions of women in America's post-war workforce?
The 82nd D-Day Anniversary: Celebrating Rosie the Riveters and Their Enduring Impact at the National WWII Museum
Overview
On June 6, 2026, the National WWII Museum in New Orleans hosted a special event marking the 82nd anniversary of D-Day. This commemoration honored both the sacrifices made during the historic invasion and the vital contributions of the Rosie the Riveters to the American war effort. Attendees experienced World War II history firsthand, including the chance to board a replica Higgins boat, which was originally built in New Orleans and played a key role in transporting troops. The event highlighted the enduring legacy of the Rosies, celebrating their resilience and lasting impact on American society.