Female World War II Pilots Now Fight Arlington National Cemetery-- Part 1: Elaine Harmon

From the Feb. 4, 2016, Chicago Tribune by Sarah D. Wire.

The late Elaine Harmon was one of about 1,000 female pilots who served stateside during the war to free up male pilots for combat.  After the war, she helped persuade Congress to recognize the women's service and grant them veteran status and benefits.

Today, her ashes are sitting in her daughter Terri's closet in Silver Spring. Maryland, because she and other Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) have been deemed ineligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC)

The Army says that even though they are considered veterans, that doesn't entitle them for burial at the best-known National Cemetery.

A Change.org petition has been filed by the Harmon family and has so far collected over 54,000 signatures.  Legislation has been introduced in both the U.S. House and Senate to overturn the Army's decision.  They want Harmon's remains to be stored in an urn in a crypt at ANC.

Something That Never Should Have Happened.  The Army Should Be Ashamed.  They Were Veterans.  --GreGen