House Passes Bill to Allow Female Pilots’ Ashes at Arlington

Date Posted: Tuesday, March 22, 2016

In a 385-0 vote, the House passed legislation proposed by Congresswoman Martha McSally to allow female World War II Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) to continue placing their ashes at Arlington National Cemetery. During the war, the women served as civilians, but since 1977 they were granted veteran status and in 2002, Army policy allowed their ashes to be placed at Arlington with military honors. In 2015, the Army ruled that the WASPs never should have been allowed to be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery and revoked their eligibility. This bill reverses the Army's decision. Congresswoman Martha McSally is a retired Air Force fighter pilot.

Read the full article at: PBS News Hour