Allow the Women Airforce Service Pilots to Be Inurned At Arlington National Cemetery

Floor Speech

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Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, this is Women's History Month, and it is only appropriate that we finally give a group of remarkable women who served this country an honor that they have been denied far too long-- the opportunity to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

I am referring to the Women Airforce Service Pilots, more commonly known as the WASPs. These women were remarkable, flying 78 different types of aircraft for the United States Army Air Force during World War II. They were stationed throughout the United States. They flew the very same missions as their male counterparts, over 60 million miles of operational flights. Despite their patriotism and selfless service, they did not receive veteran status until 1977, and yet, today, they cannot be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Thankfully, the House has already acted. They passed legislation--I was proud to cosponsor it--that would allow these WASPs to be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. I am hopeful that the Senate will soon follow suit and send the bill to the President.

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