An event in Lachute that highlights women in aviation came under fire this week because of plans to honour Hanna Reitsch, a fervent Nazi pilot, among others.
In 1937, Reitsch was the first woman to fly a helicopter—the focus of this year’s edition.
The MRC d’Argenteuil and Lachute released a joint statement saying they “refuse the event takes place within their boundaries… unless organizers revise their choice to honour this person.”
Marguerite Varin, the organizer, said in a statement the event is “apolitical” and that it’s a “unique experience to meet passionate women in the field.”
The statement added, “Contrary to the information circulated, no ‘honour’ will be given to Hanna Reitsch at the Lachute airport on March 11.”
