As we approach Memorial Day this weekend, we remember brave service members who sacrificed for this nation.
And in our mind's eye, when we think of those who put their lives on the line we usually see men in uniform.
But women served as well. They played a vital role in support missions. And they risked their lives.
Since 2002, the U.S. has recognized members of the World War II Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) program with a high honor-they were allowed to have their ashes inurned in Arlington National Cemetery.
At least until last year, when the U.S. Army ended the practice.
The Army said that while the women did provide a fine service, they did not really meet the standards for Arlington.
More than 1,070 women served in the WASP program. They flew support missions including transporting aircraft and other items, towing aerial targets and training other pilots. They flew just about every type of aircraft, including combat planes, that men flew. Some even tested jet and rocket planes.
Although they did not serve in combat, they freed male pilots for such duty.
And 38 WASPs died while on active duty.
More than 100 WASPs are still with us. But like all WWII veterans, their numbers are dwindling.
At the urging of WWII veteran U.S. Sen Barry Goldwater and Col. Bruce Arnold, the son of U.S. Army Air Corps and U.S. Air Force legend Gen. Hap Arnold, WASP members were recognized as full veterans in 1977. In 1984 they were awarded the WWII Victory Medal and those who served more than a year were awarded the American Campaign Medal for their service.
In 2009 they were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
WASPs have been recognized and acclaimed by this nation. But as of last year they could not have their ashes placed in Arlington National Cemetery.
That has changed.
On Friday, President Barack Obama signed a bill that once again allows WASPs to have their ashes laid to rest in Arlington. The bill had passed both the U.S. House and Senate unanimously.
In our view, this is a well-deserved honor. And we are glad our elected officials could come together to make sure that, when the time comes, these remarkable veterans of WWII can take their place with our nation's other heroes.