During World War II, the “greatest generation” joined the fight both abroad and at home. When men got called into service, women had to step into the factories and shipyards to keep production going as part of the war effort.

These women were represented in posters and other materials by the character “Rosie the Riveter,” with sleeve rolled up and arm flexed, saying “We Can Do It.”

Now, Michigan’s manufacturing leaders and community partners want to hear family stories about these women for the annual Michigan Rosie the Riveter Day, set for Friday, March 13, at the Capital Region International Airport in Lansing.

The event will spotlight Michigan’s legacy in manufacturing, aerospace and farming — industries sustained during World War II by the women who built planes, tanks, engines, and tools while keeping agriculture strong at home. They reshaped the American workforce, according to a news release on the event.

“Michigan Rosie Day honors the women whose skill and resolve kept Michigan moving during wartime. We hope their example inspires today’s women in STEM and the skilled trades to pursue bold careers, and that these stories continue to shape how we teach, recruit, and remember,” said Cindy Kangas, executive director of the Capital Area Manufacturing Council.

Event organizers are seeking descendants, relatives and community members with connections to WWII‒era manufacturing, aerospace, military service or farming. Families are invited to share photographs, letters, uniforms, factory stories, farm records, and memories for inclusion in a scrolling historical slideshow and curated displays at the event.

“We encourage Michiganders to open old boxes, and make a few meaningful phone calls. Ask your parents, grandparents and aunts what your family was doing during the war. Those conversations keep

our country’s history, our local businesses, and our family legacies alive,” said Tanya Blehm, event coordinator.

“We are deeply committed to accessibility. If a WWII‒era Rosie or veteran relative is homebound or unable to attend, our team will work with families to ensure their story and likeness are represented. Children and grandchildren of Rosies are invited and encouraged to speak on behalf of their loved ones during the program so every legacy can be honored and shared,” said Jeannette Gutierrez, Rosie the Riveter Association of Michigan.

“When grandchildren share their Rosie’s story, they carry forward not just family pride, but the values of hard work and courage that define Michigan. Every Rosie’s story matters — whether told in person, through a photograph or by a loved one. Michigan Rosie Day is committed to ensuring no voice is left behind,” said Wanda Norman, Automation Alley.

Families with WWII‒era stories, photos or artifacts — or those wishing to represent a homebound relative — are encouraged to contact Kangas at cindy@camconline.org.

Individuals interested in sharing their family’s Rosie the Riveter story or representing a loved one may register as a speaker at https://mirosieday.org/. For ongoing announcements, program highlights and event updates, follow Michigan Rosie Day on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/share/1UHavGPDuz/.