West Virginia University has been named a candidate for a new award for hosting four real Rosie the Riveters, who will share their stories of their roles on the home front during wartime today (Nov. 3).

The University, which has been named a candidate for the “Model Rosie the Riveter University” award, will host “An Afternoon with Rosies” from noon until 4:30 p.m. in the Rhododendron Room of the Mountainlair in an effort to showcase the work of these women.

The organization, Thanks! Plain and Simple, Inc., is a nonprofit dedicated to remembering the Rosies – women who worked behind the scenes during the war to complete the “men’s work” while they were away.

“As we approach Veterans Day, we remember to honor, celebrate and give thanks to those who served their country during peacetime and at war. We also honor and remember those who were among our greatest generation, the Rosie’s,” said Jerry McCarthy, director of WVU Veteran Affairs. “Because we are an institution that continues to show its lasting commitment to educate and involve the public about the contributions these women made during WWII, West Virginia University has been selected as a candidate to become the first ‘Model Rosie the Riveter University.’”

To be awarded “Model Rosie the Riveter University,” WVU must:

1) Find, interview and work with Rosies so “Rosie work” starts and continues
2) Show cooperation across disciplines, kinds of people, places, and time
3) Show “Rosie work” that inspires many others to do work with Rosies
4) Promote the Rosie Movement by pulling together, not protesting

Thanks! Plain and Simple, Inc., is preparing to launch a National Rosie the Riveter Movement through, pulling Rosies from all over the country together to share their stories and continue “Rosie work” through future generations. Their goal is to “pull America together again.”

At the event, Emily Withers, Anna Hess, and Vienna Hurt will share their stories of being Rosies during the war and WVU students will be invited to discuss what “Rosie Work” means to them. A letter from the National Liberation Museum, 1944-1945, The Netherlands to American Rosies and Veterans, will be also be read by Hess.

At 3:15 p.m., a gift of Tulips from the Embassy of the Netherlands to American Rosies and Veterans, will be planted outside of the Mountainlair. Following, the Rosies and Veterans will take a ride in a WWII jeep provided by WVU students.

-WVU-

jg/11/03/15

CONTACT: Jerry McCarthy, WVU Veterans Affairs
304.293.8262, Jerry.McCarthy@mail.wvu.edu

Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.