Anna Mae Krier, a former teenage riveter during World War II, recently attended the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France. Krier was one of the millions of women who played vital roles in the war effort, working in defense-industry factories to build airplanes, tanks, ammunition, and ships that were crucial for the Allied invasion of Normandy. Krier, now 98 years old, helped build over 6,000 aircraft and emphasized that the women were not seeking recognition or awards, but were motivated by a desire to save their country and ultimately the world.
Women like Krier also flew the planes that they built, with organizations such as the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) fulfilling noncombat flight missions that freed male pilots for battle. Despite their contributions, women defense workers initially received little recognition or appreciation. It was only in 1977 that they received veteran status, and in 2010 they were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for their service.
Krier, along with other former “Rosies” who punched rivets on bombers during the war, fought for their contributions to be acknowledged. She expressed pride in the younger generation of women and the doors that were opened for them by women like her. Another former riveter, Connie Palacioz, emphasized the important roles that women played during the war when men were away fighting.
The stories of these brave women serve as a reminder of the often overlooked contributions of women in wartime and the significant role they played in shaping history.
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