Inauguration Is a Culmination for Black Airmen: Tuskegee Airmen invited to Inaugural

[DeepModem Mom]

Source: New York Times

When the Tuskegee Airmen, the all-black force of elite pilots, emerged from combat in World War II, they faced as much discrimination as they had before the war. It was not until six decades later that their valor was recognized and they received the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor Congress can give.

Now, the roughly 330 pilots and members of the ground crew who are left from about 16,000 who served are receiving another honor that has surpassed their dreams: They are being invited to watch the inauguration of Barack Obama as the country’s first black president. “I didn’t believe I’d live long enough to see something like this,” said Lt. Col. Charles A. Lane Jr., 83, of Omaha, a retired Tuskegee fighter pilot who flew missions over Italy....

Thousands of people who participated in the fight for civil rights over several decades helped pave the way for Mr. Obama’s triumph. But the Tuskegee Airmen have a special place in history. Their bravery during the war — on behalf of a country that actively discriminated against them — helped persuade President Harry S. Truman to desegregate the military in 1948.

“The election of Barack Obama was like a culmination of a struggle that we were going through, wanting to be pilots,” said William M. Wheeler, 85, a retired Tuskegee combat fighter pilot who lives in Hempstead, N.Y. He tried to become a commercial pilot after the war but was offered a job cleaning planes instead.

Mr. Obama has acknowledged his debt to the airmen, issuing a statement in 2007, when they received the Congressional Gold Medal. It said in part: “My career in public service was made possible by the path heroes like the Tuskegee Airmen trail-blazed.” The invitation to his swearing-in was extended Tuesday by Senator Dianne Feinstein, the California Democrat who is chairwoman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies....

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/10/us/politics/10inaug.html?ref=todayspaper

[GliderGuider]

1. What a wonderful, well-deserved honour!

As a fighter-plane-crazy teenager with a strong urge for social justice, I learned all about the Tuskegee Airmen. This is a long-overdue recognition for some true heroes.

[Xipe Totec]

2. It warms my heart

Obama is going to be one of The Great Presidents.

I can feel it.

[liberalmuse]

3. Yeah, baby!

FINALLY!

[BrklynLiberal]

4. Finally...they get the public recognition that they deserve.

[IndianaGreen]

5. Obama also invited a gay band to march in the parade

Looking Good!

[NOLALady]

6. Great.

One of them is from here, Slidell Louisiana. He and his family are very close to my Great Aunt. He lives in California now.

Wonderful!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQp_SdYC-mg

[DeepModem Mom]

7. Oh, boy -- tears in my eyes! Thanks for this link, NOLALady! nt

[babylonsister]

8. Rec'd. This really warms my heart! nt

[bemildred]

9. Totally appropriate. nt

[classysassy]

10. Thanks

for remembering.

[Jamastiene]

11. It's about time they were truly honored for their service.

I hope they are introduced and the crowd gives them a standing ovation as well. They deserve the utmost respect. :patriot:

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

12. Kicking Nazi butt while being black

Really, does it get any better than that?

:patriot:

[Aristus]

13. Salute to the "Red-Tailed Devils"!

:patriot:

As I understand it, the Tuskegee Airmen never lost a single bomber they were charged with escorting on missions. That is astounding.

[Thothmes]

14. Some of their own members debunked that idea

a couple of years ago. They did loose bombers to the Luftwaffe. Not many but some.

[No Elephants]

15. Cool, but too many will have to look down on the Inauguration from Heaven.