They climbed up towers, scouting out the skyline for enemy planes on both coasts of the United States. They assembled bombers, drilled airplane wings together and welded in docks.
When necessary, they quickly changed out of their school dresses after class, putting on coveralls to start swing shifts in factories and shipyards. They were the working women of World War II, a hardy breed of homefront soldiers whose contribution freed up more men for military service in the European and South Pacific theaters. When the war ended, most quietly left their jobs and returned to raising families.
Some eight decades later, the legacy of service lives on. At Willamette Oaks, an independent living community in Eugene, a group of about 60 residents, friends and family gathered Saturday, March 21, for a tribute. The event honored the sacrifices and example of this generation of women, who are called “Rosies” in a throwback to the “Rosie the Riveter” figure that came to represent all women of that generation.
The Rosies that remain are centenarians – or well into their 90s. At Willamette Oaks, two residents are Rosies: 102-year-old Ellen Hunton and 99-year-old Doreen Kilen, who turns 100 in April. They joined the gathering, sharing their memories of wartime service…