Dearborn Heights Eton Center seniors make cards for active military personnel

 

By SUE SUCHYTA

Times-Herald Newspapers

HEIGHTS – Eton Center seniors channeled their creativity in collaboration with the Rosie the Riveter Association of Michigan April 27 to make appreciation cards for those actively serving in the military. 

Jeannette Gutierrez, executive director of the Michigan Rosies, said the card making was part of the group’s “Rally ‘Round the Troops” program.

“We make greeting cards for active troops and it is in honor of our troops and in honor of the Rosie the Riveters of World War II who backed the attack in 1944, and the Rosies still have our troops’ backs today,” she said. “So, we are making cards in honor of the Rosies, and each card says ‘From the hardworking Rosies of World War II, For your service we thank and honor you, We backed the attack in ’44, And we’ll have your back forever more, Thank you for your service.’”

Gutierrez said the goal is to give active military personnel a message of gratitude and uplift in the name of and in honor of the Rosies of World War II.

She said the Rosies are working with a non-profit organization that will distribute the cards to active military personnel.

Gutierrez said they have 100 blank cards for the seniors to decorate and assemble.

She said the volunteers creating appreciation cards are embodying the spirit of the original Rosie the Riveters by supporting our troops.

“While they are sitting there, they are using their hands to make a gift of gratitude for the men and women who are serving in the armed forces,” she said.

Senior Rose Tripepi, who was busy making cards, said her mother was a Rosie, and as a second generation, she was considered a Rosebud.

She said the groundbreaking work of the Rosies made it easier for women to get work in factories in successive generations.

Tripepi said the cards they were making send a message to active military personnel that people appreciate their service and want to honor them.

“I’m just having fun,” she said. “I’m not artsy, I’m not crafty, and I can’t get the glue to flow.”

Joining the card making briefly was Parks and Recreation Director Theresa McArleton, who said events that get seniors together and connecting in the community are good for mental and physical health.

“I think that specific events like this help educate and have a common thing that they are working towards,” she said. “So, I think anything that we can do that is extra that is of interest to seniors is really important.”