Great Women Unrecognized - Until Now

This is Women's Month and I was moved by a ceremony I watched this week on TV. During the WWII many American women flew planes for the war effort. These women were never recognized as Air Force even thought they performed numerous and dangerous missions. When they were killed or died they were not given military honours. When their service was complete they had to pay their way home.

These women flew dangerous missions ferrying new craft to Europe and all around the globe. Today these gals are all between eighty and ninety years old. This week nearly two hundred of these aviators were drawn to Capitol Hill where they collectively received the highest military award, The Congressional Gold Medal

These women classified as Wasp's, Women's Air force Service Pilots weren't considered military pilots but on this day they stood, saluted through the playing of the Star- Spangled Banner many still wearing their dark blue uniforms and bathed in the honour they so richely earned.

It was a moving moment for these ladies and a moving moment for all who observed and wondered how this could have happened. One lady in a wheelchair commented that they served their country without thought of recognition or reward. It was nice however she said with a smile that told another tale.

In Canada we had a similar corp involving women - bush pilots and a smattering of people who did not qualify for war service in the regular sense because of age or health. Hundreds of these people did great service without the great rewards from being in the regular service. I think of the Merchant Marine where losses at sea surpassed all other branches per capitol.

Hurray to the Wasp's and all others who served without formal recognition. Congratulations to the women who received the highest military honour, SEVENTY YEARS LATE.