People paid their respects in Colonia to a trailblazing veteran who served in World War II.

The burial of Kathleen Hilbrandt was held this weekend. She was 96 years old.

A procession of bikers and veteran groups escorted her remains from a church in Garwood.

Hilbrandt served as a member of the Women Airforce Service Pilots, a group of only about 1,100 women who piloted aircraft during the war.

"Unfortunately, she passed away in May of 2020, but due to COVID and the restrictions in New Jersey, we were not able to have a funeral for her or lay her to rest,” says Carolyn Farmer, Hilbrandt’s great niece. “We're happy to finally be able to do that."

Her sendoff included an honor guard, the playing of taps, bagpipes and a flyover by a C-17.