On a sunny Saturday morning in Richmond, women who helped win a war sat in the front row while a crowd gathered to thank them.
The Rosie the Riveter Trust hosted its annual National Rosie the Riveter Day celebration on Saturday, Mar. 21, 2026, at the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park’s Visitor Education Center. The event drew community members, veterans, and history enthusiasts for a free afternoon of music and exhibits. At its center were the Rosies themselves — women over 100 years old — who traveled to Richmond to share their stories.
“It’s a celebration, and it’s bringing history to life,” Sarah Pritchard, Executive Director of the Rosie the Riveter Trust, said, “It’s an incredible honor to be among these World War II Rosie the Riveters.”
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Visitor Education Center buzzed with activity — families explored exhibits, kids participated in activities, and attendees browsed the Rosie Gift Shop and union booths from local manufacturing industries. Many came dressed in 1940s garb or as Rosies themselves, adding to the atmosphere.
For many, the highlight of the event was the Noon Roll Call, where each attending Rosie was introduced by name and story. Marian Sousa, 102, came to Richmond as a teenager to babysit for her sister. She ended up enrolling at Richmond Union High School, marrying during her senior year, and eventually working at Kaiser Shipyard No. 3, making revisions to blueprints. She was one of the first six women to work on the Kaiser Shipyard.
Cassie Hauser, 101, worked 18 years in the payroll department at Moore Dry Dock in Oakland.
June Beasley, 102, grew up in Point Richmond, graduated at the top of her welding class, worked as a ship fitter at Kaiser, and now likes to play dice games in her spare time.
Marcella Turnipsy, who will turn 105 this year, traveled from Mississippi to California in 1943. She was denied access to welding school as a Black woman, and learned to weld at night from her brother before passing the certification test and working at Marinship in Sausalito.
After the Roll Call, attendees lined up to collect autographs and speak with the Rosies. Kathy Costello, who worked 18 years in the payroll department at the Kaiser shipyards, reflected on what she hoped people carried home. “We have to step up to the plate when we have to,” she said, “All the men had to go to war, so the women had to come forward.”
A group of women veterans representing the Navy, Coast Guard, Army, and Air Force attended together in solidarity. Rose Nowak, a former Air Force medic, said seeing the Rosies in-person moved her the most. “It was a wonderful experience to see those women in their hundreds, still around to share with us,” she said.
Annie Pennell, a Richmond resident, attended for her interest in local history. She enjoyed the union booths representing manufacturing industries, saying, “It’s fun to see all this and think about the history of the city of Richmond.”
For Pritchard, the event carries meaning that extends beyond commemoration. “Back in the 1940s, everyday people — young people, teenagers — galvanized and came together to support an effort,” she said, “We still need people to come together to support the many different issues we’re facing today. That’s the reason why we share the lessons of the past — as a way to inspire the future.”
Park Public Affairs Specialist Armand Johnson echoed the sentiment. “It’s important to continue to tell the story of the ordinary, extraordinary citizens who remained home and did their part,” he said, “I hope they go home and tell a friend or a family member.”