Lt. Governor Carney Recognizes Local Tuskegee Airmen In Ceremony At Delaware Veterans Home
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Press Release August 30, 2007 |
Contact: Christopher Portante |
During a ceremony yesterday at the Delaware Veterans Home, Lieutenant Governor John C. Carney, Jr. acknowledged the significant achievements of the group known as the Tuskegee Airmen and recognized two Delawareans who were themselves part of that group. The event also provided the opportunity to thank the Delaware State University chapter of the Veterans Upward Bound program for a donation of artwork to the Delaware Veterans Home which has particular significance to the Tuskegee Airmen.
At the event, hosted by Secretary of State Harriet Smith Windsor and the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs, aviation artist David Lee Sample was able to see a piece of his artwork given a new home at the new Delaware Veterans Home. A limited-edition print of Sample's painting, entitled "Tuskegee Red-tailed Angel," depicts a P-51D Mustang, the primary aircraft of the Tuskegee Airmen.
The beautifully framed print which was presented to the residents of the Delaware Veterans Home originally hung in the home of a Tuskegee Airman. It eventually made its way to Delaware State University, whereupon the Veterans Upward Bound program decided that the new Delaware Veterans Home would be the most appropriate place for it to be displayed.
The Tuskegee Airmen - a group which included pilots, instructors, navigators, bombardiers and others-were nothing short of trailblazers. Prior to their formation, there had been no African-American pilots in the US military. Lt. Governor Carney addressed the impact that the Tuskegee Airmen had on US history. "It is so important for us to remember our history and those who made sacrifices on our behalf. The Tuskegee Airmen battled prejudice at home while they were risking their lives, fighting the enemy to protect our country."
The two Tuskegee Airmen in attendance were received with hearty applause for their service, as were the members of the First State Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., a foundation dedicated to preserving the history of America's first black military airmen.
"The Delaware Veterans Home is not just any long-term care facility. It is indeed a home for our veterans, where they can receive care and where their lives can be enriched," said Secretary of State Windsor. "I am so pleased that we could bring together so many people to celebrate the contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen and the kind donation of the Veterans Upward Bound program."
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