FREDERICKBURG, Texas — The Zonta Club of Fredericksburg (ZCF) will host a ceremony to unveil an engraved plaque commemorating the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) of World War II on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025 at 4 p.m. CST at the Nimitz Hotel in Fredericksburg. The public is invited.
In July of 2024, Zonta Club members voted unanimously to design and fund a 20×20 engraved plaque honoring the WASP to be placed in the Memorial Courtyard of the National Museum of the Pacific War.
It will be the first in the area to recognize an all-women’s organization for their service in World War II, according to Zonta officials.
“Zonta has a rich history of female aviators who were amazing, daring, and committed to making the world a better place for women. Beginning with Amelia Earhart, one of the first notable pilots who was a Zontian, and continuing with these amazing women who paved the way to help America win the war through their selfless sacrifices. When we heard that local recognition for the WASP had yet to be made, we knew the Zonta Club of Fredericksburg had to lead the charge,” said Liz Wunderlich, ZCF President.
Zonta International is a global organization of individuals working together to build a better world for women and girls. The Zonta Club of Fredericksburg, chartered in 1954, focuses its efforts on providing scholarships to area youth, the Girl Scouts, and a variety of advocacy and fundraising efforts to improve the lives of women and girls.
According to ZCF officials, the design phase for the plaque took place over two months, led by Zonta Club director Vicki Taylor and Museum Director of Tributes Stephanie Hagee. The final proof was sent to Pella Engraving in Pella, Iowa.
“Painstaking care was given to drafting historically-accurate copy as well as to the selection of representative icons and photographs,” ZCF officials said.
From the engraved plaque:
- The WASP were the first women in history to fly American military aircraft.
- They left home and family to release male pilots for combat in two theaters of war.
- Were recruited and trained as civil service employees at Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas.
- Flew over 60 million miles in 78 different aircraft, including trainers, fighters, and heavy bombers.
- Delivered planes from factories to Army bases and points of debarkation across the country, towed gunnery targets, trained male cadets, and flew every mission except combat — 38 died in service.
- Granted veteran status in 1977 and awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2010.
For more information: ZontaFredericksburg.org, [email protected]
Leave a Reply