Posted on April 25, 2024
During an emotional ceremony in the North lobby of the State Capitol today, State Representatives Tami Zawistowski (R-East Granby, Suffield, Windsor Locks) and Tammy Exum (D-West Hartford, Avon) were joined by colleagues, dignitaries, and friends to honor the bravery, service and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen as the first Black military aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps, and to press for the establishment of an annual Tuskegee Airman Day in the state.
“It is an honor to officially recognize the sacrifices these incredibly brave men made during their service to our nation during WWII, and for their contributions and successes helping to break racial barriers and to build our state and our country upon their return,” Rep. Zawistowski said. “Marking each April 26th as Tuskegee Airmen Day and making sure no one will forget their service is a small gesture of thanks for a debt we can never truly repay.”
Working in conjunction with the New England Air Museum to promote its recently unveiled permanent exhibit, “Tuskegee Airmen: Their Untold Stories”, Reps. Zawistowski and Exum co-sponsored HB 5409, a bipartisan bill that would recognize April 26 as Tuskegee Airmen Day annually in Connecticut. If signed into law, it will serve as an educational component to the Museum exhibit and their place on the Connecticut Freedom Trail.
The program included an honor guard processional by the Connecticut National Honor Guard and an invocation by Air Force Lt. Col. (Chaplain) Eric Wismar, the Connecticut National Guard’s full time support chaplain. The program also featured remarks from children of Tuskegee Airmen, including former State Rep. Pat Wilson Pheanious, Bob Harris, and Catherine Young.
To watch a video of the event, please click here.
History of the Tuskegee Airmen:
The Tuskegee Airmen are the first black military airmen group in American history, who fought during WWII. The airmen completed their training in Tuskegee, Alabama, and traveled to Europe and North America to fight in the 332nd Fighter group and 447th Bombardment Group of the United States Air Force. Their exemplary service and bravery led for them to successfully complete over 15,000 missions, most notable being their bomber escort missions. Of those escort missions, they skillfully shot down 112 enemy bomber airplanes. Their impressive performance earned them more than one hundred fifty Distinguished Flying Crosses and winning the Air Force’s first-ever aerial “Top Gun” competition. Beyond their remarkable skill, the Tuskegee Airmen’s legacy lies in their resilience and bravery as the first black military airmen. Their unwavering commitment in the face of adversity within the military became a significant juncture in the ongoing struggle for equality and civil rights advancements in America.
House Bill 5409 – An Act Designating Various Days and Weeks (GAE Committee)
This session Representative Tammy Exum and Representative Tami Zawistowski co-sponsored this bipartisan bill with the GAE Committee that would recognize April 26th as Tuskegee Airmen Day annually in the state of Connecticut. April 26th was chosen as the day to celebrate these Airmen as it coincides with the final combat mission flown by the 332nd fighter group. The purpose of this bill is not only to recognize the historical significance of the Tuskegee Airmen, but to serve as an important educational reminder about the important role of these airmen in the context of the Civil Rights movement and standing to forms of injustice. They excelled with perseverance and integrity, no matter what adversity they may have faced as the first black military airmen. For these efforts, it is not only important to recognize the Tuskegee Airmen, but to celebrate their bravery which will inspire future generations to come.
New England Air Museum and Connecticut Freedom Trail
It is our hope that commemorating Tuskegee Airmen Day, will help to serve as an educational component on the history of these brave men and the promoting of the Connecticut Freedom Trail and New England Air Museum with the opening of its permanent exhibit “Tuskegee Airmen: Their Untold Stories”. The CT Freedom Trail, established in 1995 works to make sure that Black history is told and remembered for a lifetime. This should continue to be a large part of the education of our citizens, students and those who visit our state to learn about this important part of our history.
