News Column

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

State Rep. Ronald G. Waters
D-Phila./Delaware

 

 

PLBC and members of the General Assembly honor Tuskegee Airmen

By state Rep. Ronald Waters

 

HARRISBURG, June 25- On Tuesday, June 23rd, the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus and members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly paid tribute to Philadelphia residents who served as fighter pilots in the famous Tuskegee Airmen unit during World War II. The House unanimously adopted House Resolution 363, recognizing June 23, 2009 as "Tuskegee Airmen Day" in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

 

As the chairman of the PLBC, I had the honor of hosting the first "Tuskegee Airmen Day" program at our state's Capitol.  This was truly a historical event.

 

The Tuskegee Airmen were members of the first African-American flying unit in United States military history. They trained at the segregated Tuskegee Army Air Field in Tuskegee, Ala., in the 1940s.

 

 I was proud to present these airmen with citations on the House floor. Sen. Shirley Kitchen, D-Phila., also commended the airmen for their bravery and presented them with citations on the Senate floor.

 

The airmen honored were Henry L. Moore, William M. Cousins, Bertram Levy, Pierce T. Ramsey, Dr. Eugene J. Richardson, Dr. James R. Williams and Roscoe D. Draper.

 

Moore, Levy, Ramsey and Richardson accepted their citations in person on both the House and Senate floors.

 

I was ecstatic as I saw the men receive standing ovations and support from both sides of the aisle as they walked toward the stages to receive their awards.

 

I especially loved the fact that both the Republicans and Democrats put aside their political differences and came together to support and celebrate the airmen's achievements.

 

These men risked their lives and put their country first in World War II, even when they were treated as second-class citizens. They refused to allow prejudicial ignorance to define them. The dedication and commitment they put forth during a period of time when African- Americans were treated unfairly is a testament to their bravery, their sense of duty and their love of country.

 

The airmen shared their appreciation with me. Moore said, "This is the highest form of recognition I have ever received from Pennsylvania. This is the highest honor I have received next to being one of President Barack Obama's guests at his inauguration."

 

After the presentations and news conference, there were long lines of people waiting to receive autographs from the former airmen.

 

The celebration had such a joyous atmosphere.

 

Harrisburg City Council president, Linda Thompson, also attended the event and delivered a proclamation from the Harrisburg City Council to the Tuskegee Airmen.  

 

Their acts need to be recognized and this ceremony was just a small token of our appreciation for their efforts in the face of both war and other adversities.

 

I am not only proud that they fought for my rights as an African-American, but they fought for our country's freedom, as well.

 

I am so glad the General Assembly had the opportunity to give the airmen the recognition they so richly deserve. It is long overdue.

 

 

Ronald Waters represents the 191st Legislative District in Philadelphia and Delaware counties.

 

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