World War II Women’s Air Force Service Pilot, champion of female veterans and Faribault’s foremost aviator, Elizabeth “Betty Wall” Strohfus will be honored at Faribault’s Airport in a dedication ceremony June 24. When the sign is dedicated and unveiled, it will read, Faribault Municipal Airport – Liz Wall Strohfus Field.
Strohfus was an aviation pioneer, being one of the first women to fly in World War II and a member of the Women’s Air Force Service Pilots (WASPs). Among her accomplishments was getting WASPs recognized as veterans and approval for them to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
The ceremony will run from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday with the official program beginning at 2 p.m. In recognition of the honor, the City Council declared June 24 Liz Wall Strohfus Day in Faribault.
During the ceremony, The American Aviation Heritage Foundation, of Blaine, will fly a BT-13, the plane Strohfus flew, into Faribault as a test flight before it is taken to Sweetwater, Texas, in mid-July where it will be enshrined in the Women Airforce Service Pilots Museum.
The sign, prepared by Brushworks in Faribault, will also be unveiled as part of the ceremony before friends and family of Strohfus speak and perform in her honor. Once the ceremony concludes, the celebration will continue at the Village Theater. Faribault artist Steve Cloutier will show his documentary, “Betty Wall: Girls Don’t Fly” at 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Date and Time
Saturday Jun 24, 2017
Saturday, June 24th
1-4 pm
4-5:30 pm
Location
Faribault Municipal Airport 1:00-4:00
3401 MN Hwy 21
Village theater 4:00-5:30 pm
20 2nd St NW
Faribault, MN
