Rome, Georgia’s ‘Rosie the Riveter’
By: Rebecca McAllister and Major Hank Harwell
On April 10, 2024, in Washington D.C., Barbara Esler, a member of Rome, Georgia’s Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary (SAWA), along with other legendary “Rosie the Riveters” from World War II, received a significant honor: the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the nation’s highest civilian awards. This honors the American women who joined the workforce or volunteered in support of the war effort during WWII.
“Rosie the Riveter” is the iconic title given to women who welded ships, worked on airplanes, rolled bandages, and did a variety of other jobs to help in the war effort. Barbara was one of the younger “Rosies,” volunteering and helping the war effort by taking her little red wagon through her neighborhood and collecting recyclables such as tin cans, aluminum foil, newspapers, and scrap metal. She also sold war bonds to family members through her school.
With her allowance, she purchased savings stamps, which she pasted into a book. Once full, that book could be turned into a war bond. Those war bonds eventually helped pay for her college tuition.
Barbara has been a member of the Rome SAWA since 2018, when she was voted in as treasurer at her first meeting, continuing in that position for many years. Her daughter, Rebecca McAllister, a SAWA member since 2013, encouraged her mother to volunteer with the group when she retired and moved to Georgia to be closer to family.
“Barbara and Becky are enthusiastic members who refuse to sit on the sidelines and are motivated to make a difference in our community,” says Major Eunice Harwell, corps officer and The Salvation Army’s representative for the Rome Women’s Auxiliary. “We are thrilled for Barbara to receive this honor, which speaks to her spirit of volunteerism throughout her life. It is a privilege to be able to work alongside them.”
Barbara and Rebecca attended the ceremony at Emancipation Hall in the United States Capitol building along with over 600 people, receiving a special tour of the East Wing and central White House the next day.
The Rosie the Riveter Association has a Rome Chapter, and members like Barbara are referred to as “Rosies.” Their daughters – such as Rebecca – are called “Rosebuds,” while their sons are referred to as “Rivets.”