Women pilots of World War II inspired generations
Cheryl Marie Michell Van Riper holds the photo of her aunt, Marie Mitchell, a deceased pilot who flew with the Women Airforce Service Pilots during World War II during a wreath-laying and remembrance ceremony for all 1,102 pilots March 9, 2010, at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va. The ceremony was part of a two-day event in which all pilots will receive the Congressional Gold Medal at the U.S. Capitol for their service. (Defense Department photo/Linda Hosek)