Last surviving ‘Rosie the Riveters’ honored by WWII Museum on D-Day Anniversary: ‘We can do it’ On the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, over 30 surviving “Rosie the Riveters” were honored at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans with the American Spirit Award. These women played a crucial role in the wartime industrial effort, filling labor shortages in factories and defense industries as men went to war. Their work in manufacturing aircraft, munitions, and other essential supplies was vital to Allied victory and significantly reshaped women’s place in American society.

• More than 30 surviving “Rosie the Riveters” were honored at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans on the 82nd anniversary of D-Day.
• The women received the museum’s 2026 American Spirit Award for their contributions to the wartime industrial effort.
• During World War II, millions of women entered the workforce, filling labor shortages in factories and defense industries.
• The ‘Rosies’ learned technical skills and helped produce equipment and supplies essential for Allied forces.
• Honorees included Delphine Klaput, 101, who worked at a Glenn L. Martin Aircraft factory, and Francesca Masters, 104, who worked on B-24 Liberator bombers.
• The legacy of the ‘Rosies’ extends beyond wartime production, reshaping women’s roles in American society and inspiring future generations.