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Legislative Black Caucus Honors Tuskegee Airmen

Sacramento – More than 500 people squeezed into the California History Museum on February 7th for the festive Grand Opening Reception of the historic exhibit, “Tuskegee Airmen: Journey to Flight.”

The California Legislative Black Caucus hosted the reception during which several Tuskegee Airmen and relatives of the Airmen were acknowledged and presented with certificates of honor.

The exhibit developed by the California African American Museum in association with The California Museum is a tribute to pioneering black military pilots.  It features photographs, uniforms and documentaries on the historic WWII unit.  It will be on display through August 5, 2012.

Among the relics on display are uniforms, giant replicas of squadron badges, pilot logs, and a P51 Mustang model plane.  Also on exhibit are letters, a diary, and an invitation to the Inaugural Ceremony at the Tuskegee Institute, dated July 19, 1941.

“This is a long overdue acknowledgement of the courageous and historic contributions that these pioneering black pilots made, not only to black history, but to American history and the freedom that all Americans enjoy,” said Senator Curren D. Price, Jr., Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus.

“Fortunately, the blockbuster movie, “Red Tails,” has prompted a resurgence of interest in the extraordinary wartime feats of these skilled airmen,” said Senator Price.  “However, the story of these brave black men who fought the enemy at home and abroad, needs to be included in all of our school text books and celebrated in all of our communities as the real history of America emerges more truthful and more complete.”

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