WHEREAS, The Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day is a significant day of recognition, celebrating the lives and service of the Tuskegee Airmen, and the people who assisted and supported them; and
WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia proudly recognizes the service and sacrifices made by the Tuskegee Airmen, and acknowledges the work of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen Inc., appreciating the efforts made in memory of the Tuskegee Airmen; and
WHEREAS, The Tuskegee Airmen from and residing in Philadelphia made significant contributions to the United States of America’s success during World War II, and the eventual desegregation of the United States Military in 1948 by Presidential Order 9981; and
WHEREAS, The 992 Graduates of the courses offered at the Tuskegee Air Field flew 1,578 missions, destroying 261 enemy aircraft, ultimately leading to the Tuskegee Airmen earning over 850 medals; and
WHEREAS, The mural and plaque,
Tuskegee Airmen: They Met the Challenge
, located at 16 South 39th Street, created by Marcus Akinlana in 2008, serves as a reminder of the contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen in Philadelphia and their sacrifices; and
WHEREAS, The celebration of the Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day provides opportunities for residents and visitors to appreciate the cultural significance of the first Black department of the United States Air Force; and
WHEREAS, Thursday, March 28th, will mark the 83rd anniversary of the creation of the Tuskegee Airmen Unit; and
WHEREAS, The City Council of Philadelphia affirms the importance of identifying and honoring the sacrifices of the Tuskegee Airmen and their supporters; especially those residing in or who are from the Greater Philadelphia area, as part of its commitment to recognizing cultural and military impacts to the history of Philadelphia and the United States; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, hereby acknowledges and celebrates Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day on March 28th, 2024, and extends gratitude for the sacrifices made and service of the Tuskegee Airmen and their supporters.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Philadelphia Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. as evidence of the admiration and respect of this body.
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