“Rosie the Riveter” honored at Veterans Day Celebration

At the 28th Annual Veteran’s Day Celebration at the General Patton Museum in Chiriaco Summit, the millions of women who worked the assembly lines during World War II were honored along with veterans.

The women were symbolized by “Rosie the Riveter” and helped build weapons, planes, and vehicles needed during the war. A group of “Rosies” were on hand at the event to be recognized. One “Rosie” said she didn;t realize the importance of her contribution until well after the war.

“I didn’t realize I would be as proud of what I had done until afterward,” Abby Sargo said. “We didn’t realize that we were that important but we were.”

“We never would’ve won the war without them,” said one WWII veteran.

The event was attended by various dignitaries including Congressman Raul Ruiz (D-36th District). Ruiz said the work the women did should be respected just as much as the veterans.

“They represent that women can do the job just as good as men and even better,” he said. “That’s why we need honor the women in our military that carry the badge and work to make our nation great.”

A memorial was also unveiled at the museum for the fallen Palm Springs Police officers, Jose “Gil” Vega and Lesley Zerebny. Palm Springs Mayor and Navy veteran Robert Moon said he was touched by the gesture.

“It’s a great and lasting memorial to two people who gave their lives serving our community in Palm Springs,” Mayor Moon said. “There’s a lot of similarities between serving your country in the armed forces and serving as a police officer or firefighter.”