The Rosies Gathered in Atlanta, and Did They Make a Splash!

     Each year, the American Rosie the Riveter Association has a Convention/Reunion somewhere in the U. S., and this summer it was in Atlanta, GA. Twenty original Rosies gathered (aren't they beautiful?), along with three times that many Rosebuds (female descendants), Rivets (male descendants), friends, and guests to represent 21 states. 

     What a treasure these ladies are!

     Besides hearing some great stories shared by the Rosies--and Rosebuds whose Rosies couldn't be present--we toured the Atlanta History Center, who gave a reception so Rosies could mingle with their members.

  

We loved how many children
were there, even dressed as Rosie
and ready to roll, like this cutie who posed with GranFran.

Five of the Rosies, including GranFran,
rocked a packed auditorium with their panel
discussion at the Atlanta History Center.
Rosies are really very funny ladies!

Back at the Convention, professional storyteller Carol Cain (right), pictured here with my daughter, Sarah Branum Law, gave us a fabulous one-woman Rosie show! It was the SAME performance that Carol presented at Roosevelt's Little White House in Warm Springs, GA in 1997 (and every year since then, BTW) -- the one that helped inspire GranFran to found the American Rosie the Riveter Association in 1998. And P. S. Sarah was a little girl when she saw that performance for the first time - she's been a Rosie enthusiast ever since!

Several presenters told us about historical happenings,
including Sgt. Major (Ret.) Scarlett Williams,
who gave us an update on the USO,
a subject dear to every Rosie's heart.

We heard some great '40's music
by the Freedom Belles trio
as well as our own members.

Follow this link to see more pics from the Convention at our Shutterfly site! 

    OK, friends, next year's convention will be in June, 2017 in Kansas City, MO. Why don't YOU make plans to join us there and hang out with some Rosies? Watch the American Rosie the Riveter Association website for details as they unfold, or get in touch with me, Nell Branum, for more info!