Rosie the Riveters" Named The Recipients of the 2026 American Spirit Award

The National World War II Museum has named all of America's Real Life Rosie the Riveters the recipient of their 2026 American Spirit Award. With Rosie the Riveters being the name given to all of the women who worked in factories, shipyards, and the defense industries during World War II as they heeded the call of "America Needs You" during the massive war effort. As a result the American Rosie The Riveters Association is holding their 2026 convention at the museum in New Orleans from June 04th, 2026 through June 06th, 2026. With all travel, hotel accommodations, and meals to be provided for each Rosie the Riveter and one guardian to attend the convention courtesy of the generous contributions from The National World War II Museum and the Gary Sinise Foundation.

The convention will include an Honor Party at the museum on Thursday, June 04th, 2026, a black-tie Gala for the award recipients on Friday, June 05th, 2026, and a red carpet luncheon for all of the Rosie the Riveters on Saturday, June 06th, 2026. While the exact number of women who worked during WWII is not known. The late Dr. Carter, the founder of the American Rosie the Riveter Association, estimated that there had to be at least 10 to 12 million who responded to the call of patriotism nationwide. Leading to "Rosie the Riveter" becoming a nationwide cultural icon.

In Alabama, one-fourth of the labor force in "Alabama The Beautiful's" defense industries in 1943 through 1944 was comprised by women. Including the founder of the American Rosie the Riveter Association, Dr. Fran Carter. Since most of the Rosie the Riveters from the World War II era are now well up in age, the American Rosie the Riveter Association is encouraging every Rosie who is even considering attending the convention in New Orleans to contact Helen Sullinger right away at helen.b.sullinger@gmail.com or (651) 387 6395.

The other honorees of the 2026 American Spirit Award are the American composer John Williams, of "Star Wars" fame and the ALS advocate, Steve Gleason, who is also a former NFL player with the New Orleans Saints.

Luisa Reyes is a Tuscaloosa area attorney, piano instructor, vocalist, poet, reporter, and columnist who writes about current affairs, politics, and the arts.