Rosie the Riveter Memorial Garden Dedication

What: Dedication & Celebration of the new Rosie the Riveter Memorial Rose Garden

• Mayor TenHaken is attending.
• This will be the 75th Anniversary weekend of the ending of WWII.
• Two local "real" Rosies are attending - we want to recognize their achievements while we still have them (ages 96+).
• Several area Veterans will be participating in a 9-flag color guard
• This garden is part of a national network of "living memorials" to the women who supported the war efforts on the home front. This is the first such garden in South Dakota. The ceremony will include the official unveiling of an educational plaque with information about the sacrifices on the home front, the garden project and the women it honors.
• It is sponsored by the Mary Chilton Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. Members of the Caleb Cushing Chapter, Children of the American Revolution are participating.

Why: This is a patriotic event on a very historic occasion recognizing & raising awareness of a rather unknown group of women who made a tremendous impact on both the success of the war and on our society today.
**The garden will serve as a lasting reminder of the women who stepped up in a time of national crisis. Not only did they keep maintain the supply lines while WWII raged in Europe and the Pacific, but they helped pave the way for future generations of women in the American workforce.

Details: The dedication program will include:

• a 9-flag color guard: processing and recessing to recorded music
• the National Anthem & Pledge of Allegiance (sung and recited by all)
• historical information about WWII
• a live 1940’s style a cappella musical performance
• recognition of the attending “Rosies”
• a ribbon cutting
• a live instrumental musical performance

*This is open to the public. Visitors should bring their own lawn chairs.
*Join the fun … dress as Rosie the Riveter, 1940’s military or the “sweethearts” who welcomed the returning soldiers – or simply wear red, white & blue!
**This is an outdoor event with ample space to spread out. Social distancing/masks/COVID precautions are encouraged.

About the DAR: The Daughters of the Revolution is a service-based lineage society that is dedicated to historic preservation, education, and patriotism. The DAR strives to perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men and women who gave their lives and fortunes for American independence.

The Mary Chilton chapter is located in Sioux Falls, SD. Members are active in our community and volunteer hundreds of service hours every year. Some of our activities include helping at naturalization ceremonies, assisting new teachers & young students in schools, supporting active military and local veterans, working at food banks, making blankets, sewing masks and much more.