Wreath-laying ceremony, presidential letter highlight TUSKEGEE AIRMEN COMMEMORATION DAY

In a solemn tribute to honor its deceased “Lonely Eagles” members, the East Coast Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Inc. (ECCTAI) held a wreath-laying ceremony 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, who attended the event. “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.”

Besides Hodge, other officials at the wreath-laying ceremony included keynote speaker 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; Jerry Burton, president of the national Tuskegee Airmen Inc.; distinguished senior military leaders; officials from key veteran service organizations; and aviation executives.

The ceremony came on the eve of a message from President Biden, who formally recognized Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day on March 28. The president’s message was hailed by Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), who, in partnership with ECCTAI and TAI, led a group of members requesting the president acknowledge Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day on the fourth Thursday in March.

“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,” Rep. Blunt Rochester said. “This is a terrific day for the state of Delaware, which is home to a rich history and lineage of Tuskegee Airmen.”

Rep. Holmes Norton agreed, adding, "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. 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.”

TAI president Burton and ECCTAI president Hodge also commended 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,” they said in a statement. “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 a group of air crew and support personnel associated with the segregated flying units of the U.S. Army Air Forces who fought in World War II. Their many successes paved the way for the desegregation of the U.S. military in July 1948.

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