EMU Today

YPSILANTI --  Eastern Michigan University Regent Michelle Crumm and Provost and Executive Vice President Rhonda Longworth, among the honorary co-chairs for the upcoming Rosie the Riveter world record challenge, are encouraging people to register to take part in Michigan’s attempt to take back the Guinness World Record for the Largest Gathering of People Dressed as Rosie the Riveter.

Since 2016, the Yankee Air Museum in Willow Run has allowed the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, California, to hold the coveted record. Ypsilanti held the record two years ago when 2,090 “Rosies” were the largest single gathering at that time. Last year, California’s 2,229 participants topped that.

The Rosie legacy began at historic Willow Run, site of the B-24 Bomber Plant where Rose Will Monroe, the Original Rosie the Riveter, worked along with thousands of other women.

Date: Saturday, Oct. 14
Time: Celebration begins at 9 a.m; all Rosies must arrive before 11 a.m. in order to be counted
Location: Eastern Michigan University Convocation Center
Registration: http://www.yankeeairmuseum.org/rosie-world-record
Cost: Free
Age: All ages welcome

“This is an exciting event for the entire community and we are looking forward to a great morning,” said Crumm. “It is time to return the record to its rightful home here in Ypsilanti!”

Longworth said, “Rosies have a special place in American history. This event is an opportunity to celebrate what they meant to America then, and how their impact extends to the roles of women today.”

The Guinness World Record group maintains strict standards, making it important for those who wish to be counted to wear the correct costume. The official costume must contain the following four items:

1. Red, polka dot bandana (not paisley).
2. Dark blue jumpsuit OR dark blue pants and work shirt.
3. Red soccer-style socks.
4. Dark work shoes (no high heels, sandals, or open toes).

Cloth for bandanas can be purchased from leading fabric stores (ask for a pattern called "lipstick”). Dark blue jumpsuits, work shirts, and pants can be can be ordered online at Carhartt.com or purchased at major retailers. Red soccer-style socks can be purchased at most sporting goods stores. Bandanas and socks can also be purchased at the Yankee Air Museum gift shop.

U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell is serving as co-chair of the event, along with Ypsilanti Township Supervisor Brenda Stumbo and Superior Township Treasurer Brenda McKinney. In addition to Michelle Crumm and Rhonda Longworth, honorary co-chairs include Sue Snyder, Michigan's first lady; former Congresswoman and Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller; UAW Vice President Cindy Estrada; Gretchen Valade, chair emeritus of Carhartt; and, Detroit Free Press columnist Rochelle Riley.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest university in Michigan. It currently serves 22,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.

About Yankee Air Museum
Established in 1981, the Yankee Air Museum is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. The Museum works to positively excite kids and stimulate interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) to help meet the challenges facing America. The Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sundays. Yankee Air Museum proudly presents the THUNDER OVER MICHIGAN air show each year, and in 2017, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels returned on Labor Day weekend. Please visit www.yankeeairmuseum.org to discover more about us, our exciting events, and how we are working to preserve local history with the SavetheBomberPlant campaign. For more information, call 734-483-4030.