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Bay City Today
By the People, for the People
103-Year-Old Bay City Woman Honored with Rosie the Riveter Medal
Vera Gobeski worked at Dow Chemical Foundry during WWII, creating parts for military aircraft.
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
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Vera Gobeski, a 103-year-old woman from Bay City, Michigan, was awarded the Rosie the Riveter congressional gold medal for her critical production work during World War II. Gobeski worked at the Dow Chemical Foundry, creating magnesium bricks used to make parts for military aircraft. The mayor of Bay City proclaimed February 13, 2026 as Vera Gobeski Day to honor her contributions.
Why it matters
The Rosie the Riveter medal honors the many women who stepped up to do essential wartime production work during WWII, helping to power the American war effort. Recognizing these women's stories and preserving their legacy is important, as they paved the way for increased opportunities for women in manufacturing and other industries.
The details
Vera Gobeski, a 103-year-old resident of Bay City, Michigan, was awarded the Rosie the Riveter congressional gold medal for her critical production work during World War II. Gobeski worked at the Dow Chemical Foundry in Bay City, creating magnesium bricks that were used to make parts for military aircraft.
- On February 13, 2026, the mayor of Bay City proclaimed it 'Vera Gobeski Day' in the city.
The players
Vera Gobeski
A 103-year-old woman from Bay City, Michigan who worked at the Dow Chemical Foundry during World War II, creating magnesium bricks used to make parts for military aircraft.
Christopher Girard
The mayor of Bay City, Michigan who proclaimed February 13, 2026 as 'Vera Gobeski Day' in the city.
Michigan Rosies
An all-volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the Rosies of WWII, living and past, and preserving their legacy.
What they’re saying
“It is immensely incredible that these women are still around and are happy to share their stories. It's great to be recognized because usually you don't get recognized.”
— Christopher Girard, Mayor of Bay City (WNEM)
What’s next
In March, the state of Michigan will mark Rosie the Riveter Day with a ceremony at the capitol region airport in Lansing to celebrate women in manufacturing and the real World War II Rosies who opened the doors for them.
The takeaway
Recognizing the critical contributions of women like Vera Gobeski during WWII is important to preserve their legacy and highlight the vital role they played in powering the American war effort. Their stories inspire and pave the way for increased opportunities for women in manufacturing and other industries.
