Rosie the Riveter Tribute – Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum – Feb.17th

It is doubtless that anyone who has more than a passing interest in WWII or aviation history has heard of ‘Rosie the Riveter’, the iconic representation of a female aircraft factory machinist used to encourage women to join the industrial workforce in the USA during WWII to help build the ‘Arsenal of Democracy’. The tough, fearless spirit depicted so clearly in the famous poster created by the artist J.Howard Miller is instantly memorable, and its impact has moved far beyond it’s brief, original intent, and become a global symbol of female emancipation.

What many may not realize though is that this poster was based upon the likeness of an actual person, a woman named Naomi Parker. Parker was photographed at her position in a machine shop at Naval Air Station Alameda in Oakland, California during March, 1942. The image was reproduced widely in the press at the time, and Parker’s likeness, complete with her iconic polkadot head scarf, went on to make history on a level that no one could have imagined at the time.

While it wasn’t until very recently that Naomi Parker received recognition for being the likely inspiration behind the iconic image above, she did at least get credit during her lifetime, something for which she was very proud. Sadly though, Naomi Parker (whose married name became Naomi Parker Fraley) passed away on January 20th, at the age of 95. In tribute to Parker, and indeed all of WWII’s ‘Rosie the Riveters’, The Flying Heritage and Combat Armor Museum in Everett, Washington is holding and event on February 17th between 1 and 4pm honoring their legacy. The details are as follows…

Activities:
• First 100 guests through the door will receive a FREE Women of War Pilot Poster
• Rosie the Riveter Button for first 200 Guests
• Rosie the Riveter Coloring Station
• Women in the Military Guest Speaker(s)
• Paper Airplane Station
• Rosie Inspired Treats
• Rosie the Riveter Photo Booth
• Pin-up photos in front of the P51
• FREE admission for guests who come dressed as Rosie the RiveterSchedule:
• 1:00PM: Event Begins
• 2:00PM: Welcome & Women in the Military Round table
• 3:00PM: Rosie the Riveter Group Photo in front of the P51
• 3:00PM: Rosie the Riveter Treat Station
• 4:00PM: Event Ends

This event is free with paid museum admission. Those who come dressed in Rosie the Riveter attire will receive FREE entry from 1pm-4pm.

For more information email info@flyingheritage.com or call 206-342-4242.