This Memorial Day the American Airpower Museum (AAM) hosted a memorial tribute service to Women Air Service Pilot (WASP) Alice Lovejoy, one of 38 WASP who died in service to country during WWII. The seasoned pilot, originally from Westchester, was killed on Sept. 13, 1944 following in a mid-air collision over Texas. The American military establishment of that era was indifferent to the sacrifices of these women and WASP Lovejoy was not eligible for a military ceremony at her funeral nor was her family permitted to display the Gold Star when she was buried in Westchester County.
To finally pay tribute to this woman who died for our country the American Airpower Museum will unveil a bronze memorial tribute that will be placed on permanent display adjacent to its WASP exhibit during Memorial Day ceremonies. The person behind the effort is Julia Lauria Blum who came across Lovejoy’s tombstone when visiting the grave of her mother and responded with a personal campaign to pay honors to this woman and all WASPs.
