Nine WASP Attend Dedication Ceremony

by ANN Correspondent Rose Dorcey

During World War II, a select group of young daring female pilots became pioneers and heroes. They sacrificed much. They were the Women Airforce Service Pilots, WASP, the first women trained to fly American military aircraft. They served domestically, ferrying and testing aircraft, towing targets and training men to fly. When the war was over, they were disbanded and sent home. In the late 1970's, the women finally received veteran status for their service.

On Monday, July 31, a WASP tribute was dedicated at The Highground Veterans Memorial Park in Neillsville, Wisconsin. Carol Hamilton, a Coachella Valley (California) Ninety-Nine, led an effort to place the tribute in Wisconsin. She said she wanted people to remember the pioneers who had a dream to fly and despite great odds, learned to fly. She said the dedication is the culmination of a dream.

"We hope this tribute will stand for centuries and be an inspiration to young women to remember the pioneers of women in aviation long ago, young women like themselves who dreamed to fly and despite great odds, earned the well-deserved right to do so," Hamilton said at the ceremony.

WASP Dorothy Swain Lewis created a statue of a woman pilot that represents their service to their country. She is an accomplished author, artist, equestrian and pilot. At the base of the statue reads an inscription, "we live in the wind and the sand and our eyes are on the stars."

Swain Lewis said at the unveiling, "When you see this tribute, think of us, and we will think of you."

Cholene Espinoza was the keynote speaker. Espinoza is a former U.S. Air Force U-2 pilot, an author and United Airlines captain. She spoke from her heart, saying that it's rare to have the opportunity to meet the pioneers who blazed the trail for her and others like her. She sees the tribute as one that will encourage youth to consider aviation as a career choice.

"Out of World War II came an opportunity for these women to serve. That's why we're here today; it's a tribute of your service and what it means," Espinoza said. "I would not have had the opportunity to fly the U-2, to see the curvature of the earth, and to fly hundreds of people across the country if these women had failed. Boys and girls will see this tribute and think of the possibilities."

Of over 1,000 women who served as WASP, approximately 250 are still alive. Many are in their nineties. Most of the nine WASP who attended drove three hours from AirVenture Oshkosh where they held a weeklong reunion. Each had the opportunity to say a few words to the audience.

Margaret Ringenberg said that the WASP unit gave her wonderful memories and the chance to serve her country and fly.

Betty Jo Reed echoed those thoughts. "People are thanking us, but we were thankful to fly and serve the United States."

"There is getting to be more and more female pilots, but there's still not enough," said Betty 'Bee Jay' Brown.

All of the women spoke of the close ties they have formed. "We've really bonded, and it's really good to have these friends," said Carol Bayley Bosca.

In a touching remembrance, the Highground's Liberty Bell rang as the names of the 38 WASP who died in the line of duty were read. Dawn Seymour recalled a Wisconsin WASP, Margaret June 'Peggy' Seip, who was one of 38 WASP killed in service. "Peggy Seip, it's in her memory that I thank you all very much, indeed," said Seymour.

The tribute is one of five to be dedicated throughout the country. Sister tributes are located at Avenger Field, Texas; U.S. Air Force Museum, Ohio; U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado; and at the Confederate Air Force Museum in Texas.

All were delighted by the "beautiful spot" where the WASP tribute sits. Other tributes on the grounds include the World War II Globe, Gold Star Families, Legacy Stones Walkway, The Doughboy, and a Viet Nam tribute, Fragments. The Highground overlooks miles of forested hills and valleys in Central Wisconsin. The 140-acre Highground Veterans Memorial Park relies on volunteers and contributions. It receives no federal or state funding. The park's greatest priority is to honor and serve veterans and their families by providing a place open the healing and education.

Donations to offset the costs of the WASP tribute are still needed, and can be sent to The Highground... earmarked "WASP tribute".

FMI: www.thehighground.org