The Latest: Female WWII pilot laid to rest at Arlington

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Latest on military funeral service at Arlington National Cemetery for World War II pilot Elaine Harmon (all times local):

1:30 p.m.

It took an act of Congress, but World War II pilot Elaine Harmon was finally laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.

Harmon died last year at age 95. She was one of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), a group of women who flew military aircraft during World War II so that men were freed up for combat missions.

The women were not granted military status at the time they served, but received retroactive status as veterans in 1977. Last year, Army officials concerned about limited space at the cemetery ruled WASPs ineligible for inclusion at Arlington.

Harmon’s family fought the rule, and in May, President Barack Obama signed legislation allowing WASPs in Arlington.

On Wednesday, Harmon’s ashes were laid to rest at a funeral service with military honours.

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3 a.m.

It took an act of Congress, but World War II pilot Elaine Harmon is finally being laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.

Harmon died last year at age 95. She was one of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), a group of women who flew military aircraft during World War II so that men were freed up for combat missions.

The women were not granted military status at the time they served, but received retroactive status as veterans in 1977. Last year, Army officials concerned about limited space at the cemetery ruled WASPs ineligible for inclusion at Arlington.

Harmon’s family fought the rule, and in May, President Barack Obama signed legislation allowing WASPs in Arlington.

On Wednesday, Harmon’s ashes will be inurned at a funeral service with military honours.