If you or a relative are one of the thousands of women who worked in World War II defense industries such as Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach — while men, who traditionally held these position went off to war -— then Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske wants to hear from you.
Schipske, who represents the 5th Council District, which includes the Boeing aircraft plant (formerly Douglas Aircraft), is looking for women (or their descendants) who worked on the home front in defense plants such as Douglas Aircraft during World War II, to join her on Saturday, May l0 at the Second Annual “Celebrating Rosie the Riveter in Long Beach” event as a tribute to their history and legacy.
“Celebrating Rosie the Riveter in Long Beach” will take place at The Long Beach Rosie the Riveter Park, which is located at the corner of Clark and Conant streets in east Long Beach, adjacent to the Boeing/Douglas plant. In 2006, Schipske proposed renaming the park from “Douglas Park” to “Rosie the Riveter Park” in honor of the women who worked during World War II at the Army-financed aircraft plant.
“Rosie the Riveter is an icon symbolizing the millions of women who in World War II responded to the billboards and posters calling on women to ‘Do the Job He Left Behind’,” says Schipske. “The park and our annual event are fitting tributes for these women who were an important part of our history.”
Schipske notes that the park is the first in the U.S. dedicated in honor of women who worked at the aircraft defense plants. “The only other Rosie the Riveter park is located in Richmond, California, and is a tribute to the women who worked in the shipyards,” Schipske said.
The public is invited to join the “Rosies” on May 10 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. for food, refreshments, games, prizes and a live performance of The Swing Dolls. Special activities are planned for children.
Women (or their relatives) who worked at Douglas Aircraft or any other World War II defense plant from 1941 to 1945 are asked to contact Tiffany Andrews, neighborhood liaison, Office of Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske, at (562) 570-6932 or district5@longbeach.gov.
