99-year-old veteran Virginia Bellemeur (middle) now and then (Photo – Melendy A. Britt)
We all know who Rosie the Riveter is. The iconic poster from WWII is enshrined in national memory. There is even a Folkwear sewing pattern of her overalls and camp shirt!
By Briony James
But a real Rosie here locally in Pasadena is finally being recognized for her contributions to the war effort. 99-year-old Shirley Virginia Kelly Bellemeur, who currently resides at Pasadena Meadows Skilled Nursing Facility, was honored by Congresswoman Judy Chu on August 2 after geriatric clinical psychologist Dr Kristin Eddy wrote to her, detailed Mrs. Bellemeur’s work on aircraft.
At 20, she was stationed at Naval Air Station Pensacola, in Florida, where she worked repairing airplanes damaged in conflict. Her small size made it possible for her to repair wings that would otherwise have needed complete replacement, at a time when materials were dear and speed necessary for the war effort.
Mrs. Bellemeur was presented with the 2023 Congressional Leadership of the Year Award and a Congressional Certificate of Recognition. It is a wonderful thing that Pasadena’s own Rosie has gotten her due and shown the world that we can, indeed, do it!
The Award and Recognition ceremony (Photo – Virginia Bellemeur)Melendy A. Britt)
Bellemeur in WWII era (L-R) 1941, at Pensacola Base, 1943, and in 1943 Pensacola Metalsmith 3Class.
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