Original Rosie the Riveter shares her story of service in WWII at the Beau Rivage
BILOXI, Miss. (WXXV)- A remarkable piece of American history made a stop on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
One of the nation’s few surviving original Rosie the Riveters visited the Beau Rivage, sharing her personal story of service during World War II and reflecting on the women that helped power America’s victory.
She’s 101-years-old and one of the few remaining original Rosie the Riveters.
Delphine Tedeski Klaput is keeping history alive on the Mississippi Gulf Coast by taking the time to share her memories of serving on the home front during World War II. “My mother said that my uncle had a job for me in Baltimore, Maryland, to work, and I says, “Where can I go? Because my dad was gassed in the First War, and they had a hard life, so I was anxious to send money home to them and help them support my sister.”
The Rosie the Riveter image grew from a 1942 song celebrating a fictional factory worker. She quickly became a symbol for the millions of women who answered the call to support the war effort.
She came to represent the strength, resilience, and barrier-breaking spirit of women in the American workforce. “Well, if we don’t keep sharing our stories, it’s going to die out, and then another, our generations, it’s not coming up, needs to know what we did.”
Just over two years ago, Delphine and 27 other original Rosies traveled to Washington, D.C. to receive the Congressional Gold Medal. The honor recognizes the contributions of all Rosie the Riveters who helped power America’s victory during WWII.
Delphine continues to share her story, keeping the legacy of Rosie the Riveter alive for generations to come.
