Congress Honors the Tuskegee Airmen

Yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution honoring the Tuskegee Airmen, America's first group of black combat pilots. These World War II heroes received their training in Tuskegee, Alabama, where today, the nation honors their memory at the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site.

Rep. Mike Rogers (R.-Anniston) sponsored the resolution in the House, which passed it back in February. Each of Alabama's other six U.S. Representatives served as co-sponsors. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R.-Mobile) was the sponsor in the Senate, with Sen. Richard Shelby (R.-Tuscaloosa) listed as a co-sponsor.

The text of the resolution is as follows:

Honoring the Tuskegee Airmen for their bravery in fighting for our freedom in World War II, and for their contribution in creating an integrated United States Air Force.

Whereas the United States is currently combating terrorism around the world and is highly dependent on the global reach and presence provided by the Air Force;

Whereas these operations require the highest skill and devotion to duty from all Air Force personnel involved;

Whereas the Tuskegee Airmen proved that such skill and devotion, and not skin color, are the determining factors in aviation;

Whereas the Tuskegee Airmen served honorably in the Second World War struggle against global fascism; and

Whereas the example of the Tuskegee Airmen has encouraged millions of Americans of every race to pursue careers in air and space technology: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That it is the sense of Congress that the United States Air Force should continue to honor and learn from the example provided by the Tuskegee Airmen as it faces the challenges of the 21st century and the war on terror.