[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 1525]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  INTRODUCING A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE USE OF THE ROTUNDA OF THE 
  CAPITOL FOR THE PRESENTATION OF THE CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL TO THE 
                     WOMEN AIRFORCE SERVICE PILOTS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 22, 2010

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a 
resolution authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for the 
presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Airforce 
Service Pilots.
  As Chair of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military 
Personnel and Co-chair of the Women's Caucus Task Force on Women in the 
Military and Veterans, I am privileged to honor these women who, almost 
70 years ago, became pioneers for women's equality in the Armed Forces.
  And now, on March 10, 2010, we will honor their legacy as the first 
female aviators in American military history with the award of the 
Congressional Gold Medal.
  The Women Airforce Service Pilots are referred to as the WASP.
  Unlike many acronyms used in the military, this is an apt name!
  Like wasps, their work demanded a unique combination of feistiness 
and strength, underlined by loyalty to their fellow WASP and their 
country.
  I am astounded by their tenacity and their bravery.
  And yet, despite that dedication, these women have encountered 
difficulties in being recognized for their service.
  This ceremony will be an illustrative example of our indebtedness to 
their service, and I hope all of my colleagues will join me in thanking 
the WASP.
  This group of unsung heroines demonstrates the courage of 
servicewomen in the past, the integrity with which women serve today, 
and the enthusiasm of the young women who dream of serving this great 
Nation in the future.
  I am therefore honored to ask for authorization for the use of the 
Capitol Rotunda for the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony.
  Madam Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to introduce this 
resolution today.

                          ____________________