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| Terror on Sunshine Boulevard by J.Q. Rose |
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Women's History Month
March is Women's History Month: Thank You to the WWII Women's Air Force Service Pilots by J.Q. Rose
March is Women's History Month and the perfect time to share some photos I took when in California for the Rose parade in 2014. One of the floats honored World War II USA Women Air Force Service Pilots. (WASP)These women were unsung heroes during WW II. I am proud to share their history and inspiring story with you today.
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| "Our Eyes are on the Stars", the title of the float celebrates the courage of the Women Air Force Service Pilots. |
The Wingtip to Wingtip Association float in the 2014 Rose Parade, featured the 1102 women who served their country as Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) and honored their contribution to the war in 1942-1944.
These brave trailblazers dreamed of flying for their nation. Because there was a shortage of male pilots for combat duty, the women pushed to become pilots to free up the men for fighting the war.
The WASP group members were assigned to ferry military planes between military bases in the USA and flights from aircraft factories to ports of embarkation.
They also towed targets for live anti-aircraft artillery practice, simulated strafing missions, and transported cargo. A few exceptionally qualified women were allowed to test rocket-propelled planes, to pilot jet-propelled planes, and to work with radar-controlled targets.
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| The reproduction of the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to the WASP decorates the side of the float. The 38 stars around the medal salute the 38 WASP members who lost their lives in service to their country. |
The courageous women were not considered members of the military and received no recognition as veterans until 1977 when the WASP records were unsealed. When they returned to civilian life, even with their flying experience, they could not get jobs as pilots.
According to Wikipedia, on July 1, 2009, President Barack Obama and the United States Congress awarded the WASP the Congressional Gold Medal. During the ceremony, President Obama said, "The Women Airforce Service Pilots courageously answered their country's call in a time of need while blazing a trail for the brave women who have given and continue to give so much in service to this nation since. Every American should be grateful for their service, and I am honored to sign this bill to finally give them some of the hard-earned recognition they deserve."
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| More than 15000 red Freedom roses decorate the length of the float. |
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| The first issue of the Fifinella Gazette was published on February 10, 1943. The female gremlin Fifinella was conceived by Roald Dahl and drawn by Walt Disney and used as the official WASP mascot that appeared on their shoulder patches. |
We salute the WASP members who opened the skies to later generations of female pilots in the military. Thank you to all those who serve in the USA military service both past and present.
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