A member of World War II’s Women Air Force Service Pilots has finally been laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery like she always wanted.

In 2002, the women known as WASPs were granted military burial at Arlington. That’s where WASP Elaine Harmon wanted to be inurned, according to her family. 

But just before her death last year, then-Army Secretary John McHugh decided WASPs did not qualify for inclusion at Arlington, and never should have.

The Obama administration said the only way to change that was an act of Congress. That’s when Arizona Congresswoman, and Air Force veteran, Martha McSally stepped in. 

“I said, I just happen to be in Congress, so we’re going to fix this thing,” she said. “And we were able to get legislation, bi-partisan, all caring to fix this thing. And we were able to get it out of committee, get it voted on in the house unanimously and the senate, and then back in the house, and signed by the president in less than 20 weeks.”

The act was signed into law by President Barack Obama on May 20. McSally made sure she was in attendance for Wednesday’s funeral. 

“Attending the funeral and actually experiencing the actual right that I was able to lead the charge to restore for these amazing heroes and pioneers was so meaningful for me, it really was.” 

Harmon's ashes are now inurned at Arlington with military honors. McSally said it was a day of closure and celebration for Harmon’s family.