119-hres266

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 266 Introduced in House

    (IH) ]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
 1st Session
H. RES. 266

Expressing support for the designation of March 27, 2025, as ``Tuskegee 
Airmen Commemoration Day'', and calling on each State, the District of 
Columbia, and each territory to recognize the Tuskegee Airmen for their 
 heroism, valor, and exemplary service to the Nation.

_______________________________________________________________________

 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

 March 27, 2025

 Ms. Norton submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
 the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

_______________________________________________________________________

 RESOLUTION

Expressing support for the designation of March 27, 2025, as ``Tuskegee 
Airmen Commemoration Day'', and calling on each State, the District of 
Columbia, and each territory to recognize the Tuskegee Airmen for their 
 heroism, valor, and exemplary service to the Nation.

Whereas the Tuskegee Airmen were Black pilots, aircrew, ground crew, and support 
 personnel who served in the Army Air Corps from 1941 to 1949;
Whereas 992 Tuskegee Airmen graduated flight training at the Tuskegee Army Air 
 Field in Tuskegee, Alabama, and 450 pilots deployed into combat 
 overseas;
Whereas the Tuskegee Airmen faced enormous adversity, from overcrowded 
 classrooms to bigoted officers and segregated facilities;
Whereas, during World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen flew over 15,000 combat 
 sorties and saw extensive action in the European and North African 
 theaters;
Whereas 84 Tuskegee Airmen were killed in action, 12 died during training and 
 noncombat missions, and 32 were taken prisoners of war after their 
 planes were shot down;
Whereas the Tuskegee Airmen earned 744 Air Medals, 14 Bronze Stars, and 8 Purple 
 Hearts;
Whereas, in 1945, Tuskegee Airmen in the 477th Bombardment Group staged a 
 nonviolent demonstration to desegregate the officers' club at Freeman 
 Field, Indiana, and their nonviolent direct action would inspire later 
 civil rights protesters;
Whereas the Tuskegee Airmen's battle against fascism abroad and racism at home 
 has been called a ``Double Victory'' and led President Truman to issue 
 Executive Order 9981, integrating the Armed Forces;
Whereas four Tuskegee Airmen, Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., Daniel ``Chappie'' James, 
 Lucius Theus, and Charles McGee, later became generals in the Air Force;
Whereas, in 2006, a bill to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Tuskegee 
 Airmen ``in recognition of their unique military record, which inspired 
 revolutionary reform in the Armed Forces'' was signed into law (Public 
 Law 109-213);
Whereas, in 2008, the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site opened at Moton 
 Field in Tuskegee, Alabama, to commemorate and interpret the heroic 
 actions of the Tuskegee Airmen; and
Whereas very few Tuskegee Airmen are still alive today to share their story of 
 courage and bravery with younger Americans: Now, therefore, be it
 Resolved, That the House of Representatives supports the 
designation of ``Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day''.
 <all>