Mae Krier, a celebrated original Rosie the Riveter, has recently reached a remarkable milestone, turning 100 years old on National Rosie the Riveter Day. Krier, who played a significant role in manufacturing aircraft during World War II, has spent decades advocating for the recognition of women’s contributions to the war effort. Her journey is a testament to her unwavering spirit and commitment to honouring the legacy of her fellow women workers.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/mae-krier-100th-birthday-564-03262026-2ebbd4ee850c4094afdd064a23b2e71f.jpg)
Born and raised in North Dakota, Krier’s work as an engineer at Boeing saw her play an essential part in assembling the iconic B-17 and B-29 bombers. Throughout her life, she has been a vocal advocate for the women who supported the war on the home front. She feels it is unjust that the sacrifices and efforts of these women have not been acknowledged with the same fervour as their male counterparts. “I just felt that it wasn’t fair that they didn’t honour us women after World War II because the men couldn’t have done it had it not been for us women,” Krier remarked, highlighting the inequality and oversight felt by many of her contemporaries.
Her activism has borne fruit over the years. After incessantly writing letters to state and federal representatives — a task made even more challenging in pre-digital times — Krier was instrumental in the establishment of National Rosie the Riveter Day, celebrated annually on March 21. This date holds personal significance for Krier as it is also her birthday and the birthday of a fellow Rosie’s mother.
The crowing achievement of her advocacy occurred in 2020 when Congress awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to the surviving Rosies, which Krier accepted on behalf of her peers. She described the experience as the pinnacle of her career, echoing her steadfast determination to ensure women’s contributions were not forgotten. Among other accolades, she recently made headlines when her COVID-era homemade Rosie-themed mask and scarf were sent into space by Boeing.
In addition to her advocacy, Krier has fostered a vibrant community through social media. Along with her friend Deb Woolson, she hosts a podcast titled “Breaking Barriers with Mae Krier” and maintains the Honor Rosie Facebook page, where they share stories and updates related to the legacy of the Rosies.
Krier’s story has now interwoven with that of 24-year-old Raya Kenney, who shares a passion for honouring the women of World War II. Kenney, inspired to create a monument recognising these contributions, reached out to Krier in 2022. Their immediate connection sparked a partnership, with Krier mentoring and supporting Kenney’s mission through the World War II Women’s Memorial Foundation.
Kenney’s vision for the monument finds its roots in her childhood experiences visiting memorials in Washington, D.C. She recalls never seeing her story represented and felt it crucial to ensure that future generations understand the important role women have played in history. Her initial design was inspired by the film “A League of Their Own,” and she has aimed to make the monument an inclusive representation of women’s contributions.
For her 100th birthday, Krier requested donations for the memorial foundation, resulting in an outpouring of support that raised over £5,500. The two women have set a formidable goal; they aim to secure between £11 million to £14 million to make the monument a reality, accounting for construction and upkeep costs. Kenney expressed her hope that the completed tribute will be located close to the World War II memorial on the National Mall, with efforts already underway in Congress to secure a favourable site.
Reflecting on the future, Kenney expresses a deep desire for the Rosies to have a physical monument where they can be memorialised alongside their male counterparts, ensuring their vital role in history is never overlooked. Krier continues to inspire others with her tenacity; she even attended an equal pay rally as part of her birthday celebrations, encouraging women everywhere to pursue their dreams without hesitation. “Just don’t give up,” Krier advises. “If you’ve set your sights on something, go for it.”
As Mae Krier turns a century old, her legacy is far from finished. With a new chapter ahead, she remains determined to ensure the contributions of all Rosies are recognised, paving the way for future generations to celebrate and learn from their significant role in history.