[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 91 (Wednesday, June 17, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1478-E1479]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   AWARDING A CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL TO THE WOMEN AIRFORCE SERVICE 
                                 PILOTS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 16, 2009

  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my 
support for S. 614, which passed the House yesterday by voice vote. 
This resolution recognizes Women Air Force Service Pilots or WASP. 
These remarkable individuals were the first women in history to fly 
America's military aircraft. Between 1942 and 1944, these courageous 
women volunteered to fly noncombat missions so that every available 
male pilot could be deployed in combat.
  These women set a fine example of bravery and helped lead the way for 
the women of today's armed forces. For too long their deeds have gone 
unnoticed. This legislation grants these extraordinary patriots the 
recognition they so deserve by awarding them a Congressional Gold 
Medal.
  There are 300 women pioneers still living today and I am proud to 
serve as the representative for one of these women. Emily Kline, who 
resides in Blairstown, New Jersey, served our nation valiantly in World 
War II. It is because of individuals such as Emily Kline that the 
current generation of Americans is able to live and work in a nation as 
free as ours.
  The companion bill to S. 614 is H.R. 2014 and I was proud to be one 
of the 335 cosponsors of this bill. The generation of men and women who 
served in World War II have come to be known as the ``greatest 
generation.'' Women such as Emily Kline were part of that generation 
and for her service she deserves our gratitude.

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