Key facts
- Over 30 surviving 'Rosie the Riveters' were honored at The National WWII Museum.
- The event coincided with the 82nd anniversary of D-Day.
- The women received the museum's 2026 American Spirit Award.
- The award recognizes individuals and organizations exemplifying the American spirit.
- The 'Rosies' worked in factories, shipyards, and defense industries during WWII.
- Their work helped produce equipment and supplies for Allied forces.
On the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, The National WWII Museum in New Orleans honored more than 30 surviving women known as 'Rosie the Riveters.' These women were recognized for their vital contributions to the Allied war effort during World War II, working in factories, shipyards, and defense industries to produce essential equipment and supplies. The ceremony marked the anniversary of Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Normandy in 1944. The honorees received the museum's 2026 American Spirit Award, which celebrates individuals who exemplify the American spirit. Among those honored were Delphine Klaput, 101, who guarded aircraft blueprints, and Francesca Masters, 104, who worked on B-24 Liberator bombers. The museum highlighted that these women not only supported the war effort but also reshaped women's roles in American society. The event also recognized composer John Williams and former NFL player Steve Gleason with the same award.