WWII Working Women of Pratt & Whitney Recognized by American Rosie the Riveter Association
Three former Pratt & Whitney employees from the company's World War II-era Kansas City, Missouri, facility - Norma Henry Bowers, Santina Brancato Catalina, and Thelma M. Harlason – were among those recognized at the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum during a recent event, hosted by the American Rosie the Riveter Association.
The celebration honored women – known as "Rosies" during World War II - that worked in Kansas City, Missouri, plants during the war. As part of the festivities, attendees previewed a documentary titled, "We Can Do It: Stories of Rosie the Riveter." Following the documentary viewing, the 18 'Rosies' in attendance received individual proclamations for their service during the war.
"It was important for me to do this event to honor the memory of my great grandmother who was a 'Rosie the Riveter' at Pratt & Whitney," said Jody Valet, Missouri state director of the American Rosie the Riveter Association. "These women selflessly served their country during the war and opened up a world of possibilities for future generations. They showed the world the meaning of true patriotism and proved that women can do anything and do it well."
Beginning in 1943, more than 7,900 Double Wasp R-2800 engines were produced over an 18-month period at the Kansas City Pratt & Whitney facility.
