Honor the WASP: Memorial Day Remembrance Planned By WAI

Women in Aviation International plans its annual commemoration of the contribution made by the Women Airforce Service Pilots in World War II.

Julie Boatman

Friday, May 13, 2022 at 04:05 PM ET

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[YouTube Screengrab: Women in Aviation]

Key Takeaways:

Women in Aviation International (WAI) and friends observe Memorial Day by honoring the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) who served in World War II.
The #HonorTheWASP program encourages participants to visit the gravesites of deceased WASP, leaving flowers or other remembrances for these pilots who were recognized as military veterans only in 1977.
Now in its fifth year, the initiative has been adjusted to allow grave visits throughout the entire month of May to facilitate social distancing, with participants encouraged to share their experiences using #HonorTheWASP.

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It’s a tradition that spans the U.S. in concert with Memorial Day, when we gather to honor those who gave their lives in the defense of and service to our country. Members of Women in Aviation International and friends take the opportunity to remember the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) that flew for the colors in World War II.

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While they weren’t recognized as military veterans until 1977, women pilots have long held the WASP as heroes, mentors, and friends. Since most have now flown west—passed away, in aviation parlance—those pilots honor their kindred spirits by attending to the graves of the WASP no longer with us on Memorial Day.