Congress Approves Arlington Cemetery Burials For Female WWII Pilots

Three Cheers for Martha McSally.

Below is an email I just received and thought I'd share.

Frank,

Just the other week, the President signed into law my legislation to restore inurnment rights to the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) who were denied the right to have their ashes laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.

These women stepped up to serve during a time of our nation's greatest need. They left their homes and families to fly missions in WWII — where they performed critical tasks that freed up others to fight on the frontlines, and today, only roughly 110 WASPs remain.

Five months ago, when I learned about the policy keeping the WASPs out of Arlington, I knew something needed to be done, and fast.




I joined with Senator Joni Ernst in the Senate to build bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress. After keeping the pressure on for just under twenty straight weeks, we got unanimous votes in the House and Senate and our bill was signed on Friday, May 20th.

With this law, Americans for generations to come will learn about the pioneering role the WASPs played in our military history.

I am proud of the work done on behalf of these women who served their country — and I'm extremely grateful to Senator Joni Ernst for leading on this issue in the Senate and helping get this legislation signed into law.

As a veteran combat pilot of the United States Air Force, I knew and looked up to many of these amazing women during my service. They served as role models, mentors, and friends, and I will be forever grateful for all that they did.

As a freshman member of Congress, being able to put legislation on the President's desk is not an easy task — but I'm dedicated to fixing problems when I see them. I look forward to being a leader in Congress and doing what's right for all Americans.

In service,

Martha McSally