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U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) is reminding women and girls of all ages across Michigan that we need them to help preserve Michigan history and retake the Guinness World Record for the Largest Gathering of Rosie the Riveters in one place since World War II. Today, Dingell is also announcing the honorary co-chairs for the historic event, which will take place on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at Eastern Michigan University’s Convocation Center, 799 N. Hewitt Road, Ypsilanti, MI.

The original Rosie the Riveter, Rose Will Monroe, worked as a riveter at the Willow Run Aircraft Factory in Ypsilanti, Michigan building B-24 bombers for the U.S. Air Force. The world record event is part of a spirited competition between Michigan and California to bring the record home, celebrate women in the workforce and inspire younger generations with the “We Can Do It!” spirit characterized by the female workers who stepped up to fill the factory jobs traditionally held by men during World War II.

“Rosie the Riveter is part of our history in Michigan,” said Dingell. “She has inspired generations of women to break down barriers, and this effort to retake the world record celebrates her enduring legacy – a legacy that began at the Willow Run Bomber Plant in Ypsilanti. This day is about coming together as a community, telling the stories of the iconic women who changed the role of women in the workplace, and passing our history on to future generations. We invite everyone to join us on October 14^th to bring the record home to Ypsilanti and celebrate the power that we, as women, bring to the workplace and the economy.” 

Dingell serves as co-chairperson of the effort with Supervisor Brenda Stumbo of Ypsilanti Township and Brenda McKinney, treasurer of Superior Township. The honorary co-chairs announced today are First Lady of Michigan Sue Snyder; former Congresswoman and now Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller; UAW Vice President Cindy Estrada; Gretchen Valade, chairman emeritus of Carhartt; Detroit Free Press columnist Rochelle Riley; EMU Regent Michelle Crumm; and EMU Provost and Executive Vice President Dr. Rhonda Longworth.

In October 2015, Dingell joined more than 2,000 women, including 43 Original Rosies, at the former Willow Run Bomber Plant in Ypsilanti to take back the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of Rosie the Riveters since World War II. Last August, Rosies in Richmond, California set a new record with 2,229 Rosies gathered in one place.

“Like the Rosies who came before us, Michigan women embody the ‘We Can Do It’ spirit,” Dingell said. “With the help of women all across the state, we are going to take our record back with a gathering that no one else can beat.”

There is no cost to attend the event and doors will open at 9:00 a.m. There will be activities throughout the morning. In order to be counted in the World Record gathering participants are asked to arrive no later than 11:00 a.m. Women of all ages are encouraged to attend. Participants are also encouraged to register for the activity and can do so ahead of time here: http://yankeeairmuseum.org/rosie-world-record/. Costume requirements consist of dark blue work clothes, red socks, dark shoes with closed toes, and the quintessential red and white polka dot bandanna.