Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Bill On Governor’s Desk

HARRISBURG – A bill that would designate March 29 of each year as “Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day” in PA awaits the governor’s signature to become law. Nearly 100 Tuskegee Airmen came from western PA, more than any other region in the nation. The Tuskegee Airmen were the first group of African-American military aviators, fighting with exemplary courage and distinction during World War II. They were among the most accomplished and effective pilots of the entire war. Upwards of 900 pilots who graduated from Tuskegee Airfield flew 1,578 missions and 15,533 sorties, destroying 261 enemy aircraft and earning themselves more than 850 medals, collectively. House Bill 2586 also would require an annual proclamation from the governor encouraging all public schools and educational institutions to observe and conduct exercises recognizing the Tuskegee Airmen and their sacrifices.