REFERENCE TITLE: Tuskegee airmen commemoration day

State of Arizona Senate Fifty-first Legislature First Regular Session 2013

SCR 1010

Introduced by Senator Melvin

 

A concurrent RESOLUTION

 

DESIGNATING THE MARCH 28, 2013 AS TUSKEGEE AIRMEN COMMEMORATION DAY IN ARIZONA.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 

Whereas, before World War II, African-Americans had very limited roles in the defense of our nation and none in military aviation; and

Whereas the United States War Department published a grossly inaccurate and disparaging "Official Report" in 1925 with the intent of relegating African-Americans to menial duty positions; and

Whereas, more African-Americans were receiving higher education by the time the United States was drawn into World war II, creating more meaningful jobs in the military that included flying airplanes; and

Whereas, the rapid expansion of aircraft production to meet the demands of air power during World War II created a greater need for military pilots; and

Whereas, the public outcry from the black population, black media and fair-minded whites exhorted the War Department to extend the opportunity to fly airplanes to all military members; and

Whereas, the United States War Department's Civil Pilot Training (CPT) Program authorized colleges and universities to train civilian students to increase the number of civilian pilots, thus having a clear impact on military preparedness; and 

Whereas, Tuskegee Institute in Alabama was one of six black schools chosen to participate in the CPT Program and helped open the doors for the first black aviators in the United States armed forces; and

Whereas, despite facing great hardship and bigotry, the Tuskegee airmen experienced tremendous success in the air against the enemy, and they were eventually awarded several Silver Stars, 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses, eight Purple Hearts, fourteen Bronze Stars and 744 Air Medals; and

Whereas, the outstanding performance record of the Tuskegee airmen was unprecedented in military aviation history, thus disproving every adverse prejudiced contention that existed before World War II; and

Whereas, the month of March has historically been a special month for the Tuskegee airmen as it was when the first cadets received their silver wings, the first maintenance crew began training at Chanute Field, Illinois and the first pursuit squadron (the 99^th) was activated.  On March 27, 2007, President George W. Bush presented the Tuskegee airmen with the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal; and

Whereas, thirteen Tuskegee airmen have direct connections with the State of Arizona.

Therefore, be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Arizona, the House of Representatives concurring:

That March 28, 2013 is designated as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day in Arizona and that all Arizona citizens are encouraged to honor the accomplishments and sacrifices of the Tuskegee airmen with appropriate commemorative and educational activities.