Washington Women in Trades is delighted to roll out the 6th Annual Commemorative Rosie the Riveter Calendar, “Watching Women Soar.” Each year, WWIT Co-Chair Robin Murphy spends months gathering women who worked as Rosies during World War II, then photographs and interviews them. The result is a documentation of 12 outstanding women’s lives, complete with stunning black and white portraits, short bios and a slew of vintage photos.

This labor of love is designed to honor the foremothers of each and every tradeswoman. Though most of these women don’t really see themselves as heroines, WWIT surely does. While the Rosies were drilling rivets, they were also building a future for every tradeswoman who followed. They were creating a world in which women could not only dream of great career opportunities, but one where they could grasp that opportunity and soar. The goal is to honor those who have come before, and the hope is to inspire those who follow.

This year’s cover photo was shared by Miss July, Dorothy Pike Smith, who got her pilot’s license at age 18. The minute photographer Robin and graphic designer (Cindy Payne) saw it, they knew it was perfect–they didn’t even consider other options. Most of the calendar girls built planes, but some of them even flew them!

It’s becoming harder and harder to find women to participate in the calendar. (Donna Bajocich, Miss November, turned 100 years old just a few days ago!) But Washington Women in Trades is committed to creating this project for as long as they can. The Rosies are, after all, a national treasure.

To order the calendar, visit http://www.wawomenintrades.com/RosieCalendar.html