Learn about legacy of female WWII pilots

Pearl Harbor historian Daniel Martinez and author Vera Williams will examine the little-known use of female pilots during World War II in a free event that is part of the National Park Services’ After Dark in the Park series.

"WASPs: The Forgotten Wings" will take place 6:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument (formerly known as Arizona Memorial Visitor Center).

During the war, 1,074 women earned their wings flying for the Army Air Force. They were the first women to get behind the controls of American military aircraft, flying noncombat missions. Williams’ book, "WASPs: Women Airforce Service Pilots of WWII," is based on interviews of more than 200 WASPs. Seating is limited; make reservations by calling Amanda Carona at 423-7300, ext. 7048.

Marching bands to put best foot forward

A dozen high school bands consisting of more than 1,100 students will take to the Aloha Stadium field Monday to showcase their marching and musical talents at the 37th Annual Oahu Marching Band Festival.

The event, presented by Finance Factors and the Pearl City High School Music Learning Center, starts at 5 p.m.

Schools participating in the competition are Aiea, Castle, Farrington, Kaiser, Kalani, Kapolei, Leilehua, Mililani, Moanalua, Pearl City, Radford and Roosevelt.

Tickets, available at the stadium Monday, are $7 for adults, $5 for students and free for children ages 4 and under.

Bands will perform an eight- to 10-minute marching routine. The judges are John Long, emeritus director of bands at Troy University; Mark Walker, director of bands at Troy University; Jeffrey Boeckman, director of bands at the University of Hawaii at Manoa; and Michael Naka­sone, former bandmaster of the Royal Hawaiian Band.

For more information, contact Chadwick Kamei at 454-5655 or email chad_kamei@notes.k12.hi.us.