Memorial Day and the Rose Parade

This flag is made entirely of flowers and natural elements
because it is part of the RFD-TV float in the Rose Parade 2014.
The title of the float was You Make My Dreams Come True. I was in awe of the float, a huge masterpiece of color, texture, style, and imagination.

The United States Air Force Thunderbirds Flyover, a heart pounding tribute to our service men and women, roared off the start of the Rose Parade.

This morning my DH and I and my grandson attended a Fly-in at our small airport in our town. Pilots from all over the Midwest fly their small planes in for a pancake breakfast and a time to gather together for fun. Antique cars and planes as well an new experimental aviation projects added to the festivities. The opening ceremony included a flag raising and the Star Spangled Banner. It was an emotional experience bringing tears to my eyes when I saw Old Glory raised on the flag pole. 

Memorial Day is our way to  honor those who served in the military and to remember loved ones who have passed. Take a minute during this important holiday to appreciate them.

Have a safe and fantastic Memorial Day weekend!

Trailblazers: World War II Women Airforce Service Pilots Honored in New Year's Day 2014 Rose Parade

"Our Eyes are on the Stars", the title of the float, celebrates the courage of the Women Airforce Service Pilots.

Because of the Wingtip to Wingtip Association float in the 2014 Rose Parade, the 1102 women who served their country as Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) are receiving recognition for their contribution to the war in 1942-1944. These brave trailblazers dreamed of flying for their nation. Because there was a shortage of male pilots for combat duty, the women pushed to become pilots in order to free up the men for fighting the war. The WASP group members were assigned to ferry military planes between military bases in the USA and flights from aircraft factories to ports of embarkation. They also towed targets for live anti-aircraft artillery practice, simulated strafing missions, and transported cargo. A few exceptionally qualified women were allowed to test rocket-propelled planes, to pilot jet-propelled planes, and to work with radar-controlled targets.

The reproduction of the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to the WASP decorates the side of the float. The 38 stars around the medal salute the 38 WASP who lost their lives in service to their country.

The courageous women were not considered members of the military and received no recognition as veterans until 1977 when the WASP records were unsealed. According to Wikipedia, on July 1, 2009 President Barack Obama and the United States Congress awarded the WASP the Congressional Gold Medal. During the ceremony President Obama said, "The Women Airforce Service Pilots courageously answered their country's call in a time of need while blazing a trail for the brave women who have given and continue to give so much in service to this nation since. Every American should be grateful for their service, and I am honored to sign this bill to finally give them some of the hard-earned recognition they deserve." 

More than 15000 red Freedom roses decorate the length of the float.

The first issue of the Fifinella Gazette was published February 10, 1943. The female gremlin Fifinella was conceived by Roald Dahl and drawn by Walt Disney, and used as the official WASP mascot that appeared on their shoulder patches.

The Girls Succeed blog salutes the WASP who opened the skies to later generations of female pilots in the military. Thank you to all those who serve in the USA military service both past and present.

For more information about the WASP and the float watch the CNN video below: