For those who don’t remember or know who Rosie the Riveter represented, Rosie represented the ladies who worked in factories across America in WWII by keeping the provisions moving that were needed by the troops; food, clothing, even planes. Without these strong women, the outcome of WWII may not have been so 'rosy'.
A small group from American Legion Post 352 in Blanco had the opportunity to meet a real Rosie the Riveter last week. Ernestine Walker Burnham lived in Round Mountain, Blanco County for many years. During the first part of WWII, Ernestine worked on the (Hellcat) air craft, riveting the wings of the (Hellcat) for the Navy as a Rosie the Riveter. While this service alone was much to be proud of, this young woman had much more to give to her country. Ernestine joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1943 and served until 1946 where she received an Honorable Discharge.
Ernestine wanted to be part of the American Legion, but times were different back then and women just didn’t do that; that’s what she was told anyway. Ernestine continued her life as most returning veterans did after WWII; she married and raised a family, she taught her children to be strong men and women, and she taught them to do what was right.
Post 352 of Blanco is honored to announce that Ernestine became a member of American Legion Memorial Highway Post 352 last Thursday. We are proud to have a veteran of her caliber as a member of the American Legion in Blanco. Her dream of being a Legionnaire has been long coming; she is 94 years young. Post 352 of Blanco stands with her and thanks her for her service to her country.
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