Dear Amazing Supporters, It is with heartfelt gratitude that I write this; the last update for the petition for my grandmother, WASP Elaine Danforth Harmon. Yesterday my grandmother was laid to rest; 555 days after she passed away. (http://www.wusa9.com/news/local/arlington/funeral-for-wwii-woman-pilot-at-arlington-natl-cemetery/315224688) One of the WASP in attendance, Shutsy Reynolds, said she had to attend the service in person to make sure that it really happened and that no one "mucked it up". I'm so glad to say that it not only happened, but it was perfect. Attached is a photo of my mother, my sisters, my niece, my daughter and me at the funeral reception. I am happy to say that all of you, our supporters, were "present" at the reception in spirit. Behind us in the photo are banners on which are printed all of the comments from our petition. Attendees enjoyed reading your wonderful words of support. The service was beautiful and moving. First, there was a flyover with a number of WWII planes. Then a short and solemn ceremony led by a US Air Force Chaplain and the Air Force Honor Guard. Particularly impressive was seeing the precision with with the Honor Guard folded the American Flag. The flag was draped over a custom designed urn donated by one of our supporters who makes urns for veterans. Then there was a 21 gun salute. After that we walked together to the Columbarium and the urn was placed in the wall alongside so many other American heroes who are no longer with us. After the funeral, everyone proceeded to the Women in Military Service to America (WIMSA) memorial for a reception honoring my grandmother. My grandmother's niece read a poem written by her mother about how my grandmother inspired her to learn to fly. My mother spoke on behalf of herself and her siblings. I spoke on behalf of all the grandchildren. Two amazing female fighter pilots spoke about the importance of the WASP and their legacy. Representative Martha McSally of Arizona told everyone about her experience being the first US female fighter pilot to go into combat and how important it was for her to have WASP as mentors and how she knew she would need to ensure that the WASP were able to be laid to rest in Arlington. My sister Erin spoke passionately about my grandmother and the fight to ensure our grandmother's last wish was granted. Finally Ms. McSally returned to the stage with Erin and led everyone in a spirited rendition of "Into the Wild Blue Yonder". I couldn't have imagined a more fitting tribute to my grandmother. Losing my grandmother was devastating to my entire family. When Arlington told us that she was not eligible to have her ashes there, it was like a slap in the face. Being in Arlington was my grandmother's last wish. My family and I knew that my grandmother deserved to be in Arlington and that it would be unthinkable to not fulfill her last wish. The Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) were a brave group of pilots who stepped up and served at a time of great need for our country. The duties they fulfilled were necessary, dangerous and sometimes deadly. Yet these women didn't hesitate to volunteer. For my family, there was never a question that the WASP's service was equal to that of any other veteran's. We just couldn't believe that the Army and Arlington could possibly see it any other way. It has been so heartening to see that all of you (thousands and thousands), the press, and Congress also see the WASP's service as equal. The words "thank you" cannot express the depth of the gratitude that my family and I feel. Now that my grandmother has been laid to rest, we have come full circle. As I mentioned, this will be the last update on this petition. If you are interested in finding out more about the fight to restore the WASP's right to be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery and the evolution of HR 4336, you will be glad to hear that my sister Erin has written a book about it! You can go to the website www.finalflightfinalfight.com to learn more. You can also sign up to be added to an email list so you will be notified when the book is released by sending an email to finalflightfinalfight@gmail.com For now, I will leave you with a message my grandmother wrote herself for everyone to read after her passing "Ta ta everyone! What a life it has been-great family and great friends. What more could one want? Elaine." Carpe diem, Tiffany