World War II exhibit opens in Meridian
By By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
July 4, 2002
Opening ceremonies took place Wednesday for the Smithsonian Institution's traveling World War II exhibit that opens to the public today.
Dignitaries on hand for the opening included U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran, Gov. Ronnie Musgrove, U.S. Rep. Ronnie Shows, former U.S. Rep. G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery and Meridian Mayor John Robert Smith. Also present was actress Sela Ward.
Many of those who arrived early for the ceremony were eager to meet Ethel Kelly, 79, of Delhi, La., known as the original "Rosie the Riveter."
Carrying a rivet gun, Kelly arrived wearing overalls and a bandana in the fashion of the well-known World War II poster depicting the character. She explained how she earned the title.
At a Lockheed reunion in 1991, she met retired company vice president Rudolph Perez.
After showing him her paychecks and inspection book from when she was a riveter at the Burbank plant, putting wings on P-38 aircraft, Perez named her "Honorary Rosie of Lockheed."
Kelly remains in good shape, like Rosie in the famous poster.
Kelly toured the exhibit showing photographs of planes she helped build, her inspector's arm band and other artifacts she brought with her.
Married in January 1941, her husband was drafted into the service and was stationed in England, France and Germany during the war.
Kelly went to California to find work at Lockheed because she heard help was needed there. She was promoted from riveter to inspector and after the war she quit work and moved back to Louisiana with her husband.
Ann Cohn, director of the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibit Service, called Wednesday's celebration a meeting of past and present.
The exhibit displays reproductions of posters circulated during World War II to rally the nation in the war effort. It also includes World War II memorabilia on loan from local residents.
On display at the Railroad Express Agency building from July 4-Aug. 31, the exhibit is free to the public and will be open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1 p.m.-4 p.m. on Sundays.
