President Barack Obama signed bipartisan legislation into law on Friday that was led by U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and U.S. Rep. Martha McSally (R-AZ) to give female pilots inurnment rights at Arlington National Cemetery.
The Women Air Force Service Pilots Arlington Inurnment Restoration (WASP AIR) Act, H.R. 4336, introduced by Ernst, McSally, U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and U.S. Rep. Susan Davis (D-CA), would restore inurnment rights for WASP remains at Arlington National Cemetery.
WASPs were early pioneers of military aviation and participated in a flight program that freed up their male counterparts for combat duty, Ernst said.
“Restoring what was once the right of the WASP to have their ashes placed at Arlington National Cemetery is undoubtedly the right thing to do in honoring these extraordinary women for their remarkable military service,” Ernst said. “The WASP stand in history as role models for women in the military, proving their strength and fortitude in the missions they carried out. I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with Sen. Mikulski and Congresswomen McSally and Davis to honor the legacy of these truly remarkable female trailblazers within our military.”
McSally said that the legislation restores honor to “some of our country’s greatest heroes.”
“With this signing, generations of Americans will be able to come to Arlington and see how the WASPs served during a time of great need and, in doing so, paved the way for all women to serve in the military,” McSally said. “I thank the thousands of Americans who gave their support to this fight and especially recognize the family of WASP Elaine Harmon, whose relentless efforts have won justice for their grandmother and all the WASPs. I look forward to the day when we can be there at Arlington to welcome these pioneers home.”