WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) join in celebrating a message from President Joseph Biden recognizing Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day on March 28.

In February 2023, in partnership with the East Coast Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Incorporated (ECCTAI) and the national Tuskegee Airmen Incorporated (TAI), Blunt Rochester and Holmes Norton led a group of members requesting President Biden formally recognize Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day on the fourth Thursday in March.

In a successful effort, the president has recognized March 28, 2024, as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day. “I am so proud to join my colleague, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, in celebrating Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day and this message by President Biden,” said Rep. Blunt Rochester. “When we called on the president to recognize this day last year, we did so in honor of the heroic sacrifices made by these men and women in our country’s hour of need, as well as their trailblazing legacy for black members of our military and Black aviators at large. We are so grateful to the Tuskegee Airmen for their perseverance and unparalleled success. This is a terrific day for the state of Delaware, which is home to a rich history and lineage of Tuskegee Airmen. I look forward to marking this day each year going forward.”

"As an elite corps of African American pilots and crew, as well as others, who fought in World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen deserve this recognition from President Biden," Holmes Norton said. "Thank you, President Biden, for your acknowledgement. It will be deeply meaningful to the veterans, their family members, and the succeeding generations of Black service members who surely deserve our thanks. Thank you to Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester for her partnership in the effort to bring this group of brave Black servicemen and women the recognition they deserve."

Jerry Burton, president of TAI, and Jerome Hodge, president of ECCTAI, also issued a joint statement about the presidential salute.
“President Biden’s recognition of Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day reaffirms the enduring legacy of these trailblazers and their contributions to the military and society,” the statement said. “This acknowledgment not only celebrates the airmen’s historic achievements, but also motivates us to continue inspiring future generations to soar beyond any limits imposed by prejudice or discrimination."

The Tuskegee Airmen were pilots, ground crews and support personnel serving in segregated units of the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. As the Black flying units in the U.S. Army, their many successes paved the way for the desegregation of the U.S. military. The story of the Tuskegee Airmen runs through six Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that participated in a trailblazing pilot training program which opened access to Black Americans by the Civilian Pilot Training Act in 1939. The achievements of these pilots laid the critical groundwork for the legendary military service that would begin just two years later.

The month of March holds significance for the Tuskegee Airmen: The first Tuskegee Airmen cadets received their wings in March. The first maintenance crew began training at Chanute Field, Illinois, in March. The first Pursuit Squadron, the 99th, was activated that month; and President George W. Bush presented the airmen with the Congressional Gold Medal in March. A wreath-laying ceremony for deceased members of the Tuskegee Airmen, known as “Lonely Eagles,” is held on the commemoration day at the U.S. Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Virginia.

Text of the message can be found here and below.

March 28, 2024

I send my warmest greetings to all those celebrating National Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day-a time to honor the story, service, and sacrifice of the Black pilots, bombardiers, navigators, mechanics, instructors, and crewmembers who changed the course of history.

It's a story that continues to inspire us today. Daring and determined, the Tuskegee Airmen blazed a new path-becoming our Nation's first Black military pilots. They flew and supported over 15,000 sorties in battle and destroyed over 100 enemy aircraft. They defended the Allies and became one of the most decorated fighter groups during World War II. Time and again, they risked their own safety for the safety of their fellow Americans, stepping up to fly some of our country's most dangerous and critical missions.

But as these patriots fought the forces of fascism abroad, they continued to face enduring discrimination at home: signs on restaurants that read "whites only"; seats on buses that were off-limits; and schools, streets, shops, and military units divided by segregation. And even after the Tuskegee Airmen helped lay the groundwork for President Truman's Executive Order ending the unconscionable racial segregation of our Armed Forces, Black troops continued to confront intense inequality, racism, and oppression from those whose very freedom they defended.

Like the generations of brave Black Service members before them, the Tuskegee Airmen never stopped believing in the founding vision of our Nation: the vision for a more perfect Union, one where all women and men are created equal. We are the only Nation in the world built on this idea. We haven't always lived up to it, but we've never walked away from it either. And we've never ever walked away from our troops, who dare all and give all for our Nation.

As Commander in Chief, I am committed to keeping this sacred promise – including ensuring all Service members and veterans of color are treated with equal dignity and respect. We're working to address racial bias, strengthen equal opportunity, reform the military justice system, and ensure the full diversity of our Armed Forces is reflected at every level. And we will remain unwavering in our efforts to ensure that all women and men who wear the uniform can reach their full potential and have their contributions valued.

Today – as we honor the courageous "Red Tails" who defended our democracy against the forces of darkness-we remember their immense service and sacrifice. And together, we recommit to the future they fought for: one of greater security, equality, and opportunity for all.

President Joe Biden

WASHINGTON ̶ In a solemn tribute to honor its deceased “Lonely Eagles” members, the East Coast Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Inc. (ECCTAI) will hold a wreath-laying ceremony from 10 a.m. to noon March 28 at the U.S. Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Virginia.

The ceremony, part of Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day (TACD), is typically held on the fourth Thursday in March and recognizes the nearly 15,000 men and women from various military professions who comprised the “Tuskegee Airmen Experience.”

“Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day is more than just an annual event,” said Jerome Hodge, president of ECCTAI. “It’s an opportunity to honor the legacy of the courageous Tuskegee Airmen and to motivate, inspire and stimulate young people to seek and achieve successful careers in the fields of aviation and aerospace.”

Officials invited to the wreath-laying ceremony include retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Robert D. Bowie, former special assistant to the Director Air National Guard for the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force Energy, Installations, and Environment, Headquarters Air Force; retired Lt. Col. Shelton Ivan Ware, one of the last living original Tuskegee Airmen; distinguished senior military leaders; officials from key veteran service organizations; and aviation executives.

The ceremony comes on the eve of a presidential proclamation and congressional resolution to honor the famed airmen whose exploits are well documented and inspired the issuance of Presidential Executive Order 9981, which led to the desegregation of the U.S. military in July 1948. Members of the Tuskegee Airmen Experience included aircrew, ground crew and operations support team members who were part of the Tuskegee Airmen ̶ the segregated black Army Air Forces who trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field, Alabama, during World War II. For more information about ECCTAI, visit ECCTAI - Home.

Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen Honored for Lifetime Legacy of Valor

Indianapolis, Indiana - Tuskegee Airmen Inc. is set to host its 45th Annual Convention, July 12 - 17, 2016 at the Westin Indianapolis Hotel, Indianapolis, IN. An exciting treat is the continued year-long commemoration of the accomplishments of the Tuskegee Airmen; the long awaited Grand Celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the "Tuskegee Airmen Experience."

Pilots, nurses, mechanics, ground crew, air traffic controllers, meteorologists, stenographers, armorers and other support personnel saw the activation of the first black combat aviation unit at Tuskegee Army Air Field and other locations. March 22, 2016 marked the 75th anniversary of the inauguration of the U.S. Army Air Corps 99th Pursuit Squadron on March 22, 1941. Distinguished Honorees - Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen will be in attendance.

This year's convention will proceed over several days and will feature a "Welcome Day", "Heritage Day", "Diversity/Military Day", and "Youth Day" intermingled throughout TAI organizational business meetings, training seminars, historical documentation, and more. Rounding out the convention and celebration will be the Tuskegee Airmen Grand Gala on Saturday, July 16, 2016 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m

About Tuskegee Airmen Inc.
Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (TAI), headquartered in Tuskegee, Alabama with 56 chapters in major cities and military installations across the U.S., was established over 40 years ago to educate the public and keep alive the legacy of those who were part of the Tuskegee Experience during World War II. Membership in TAI is open civilians, veterans, active duty and retired military from all service branches. For more information on TAI and a brief history of the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II, download the TAI Media Kit.