The image is iconic; a blue uniform-clad woman wearing a red polka-dot handkerchief, flexing her bicep against a bright yellow background, and the words "We Can Do It" printed boldly in white letters above her head - Rosie the Riveter.  Meant to be a motivational poster to encourage women to take up factory jobs to help the war effort during WWII, Rosie quickly became less of a symbol for pitching in, and more a symbol for women's empowerment and independence.  That image was based on a painting by Norman Rockwell that became the cover for the May 29, 1943 issue of The Saturday Evening Post.  A 19-year-old telephone operator named Mary Doyle Keefe sat to model for it.  I'm sure, at the time, she had no idea how she was making history.

Mary Doyle Keefe, aka "Rosie the Riveter," passed away yesterday at the age of 92.  Thank you, Mary, for encouraging generations of young women to aspire to great heights.  "We Can Do It," Mary, thanks, in part, to you.

 

Photo by Howard R. Hollem/Getty Images
Photo by Howard R. Hollem/Getty Images
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