[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 17 (Wednesday, February 16, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E255]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 9, 2005

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. 
Res. 26 as offered by my colleague, Mr. Rogers of Alabama, in 
acknowledgement and appreciation of the contribution of the Tuskegee 
Airmen to our Air Force and our nation. Their example of breaking 
racial boundaries in order to contribute to the Allied efforts in WWII 
is still valuable today in our war against global terrorism. I thank 
Mr. Rogers of Alabama for bringing this important resolution to the 
floor today.
  The lessons we can learn from these men are numerous. In a time when 
the world was threatened by fascism, they stood among the many to repel 
its force. They demonstrated to their countrymen that skin color does 
not define the quality or the character of the man, but rather the 
sense of duty to the ideals they hold and their willingness to do what 
it takes to defend those ideals.
  The Tuskegee Airmen not only fought against enemies in the air, but 
they engaged in a struggle within their own country. They were the 
first African-Americans to qualify as military pilots in any branch of 
the armed forces, as a result of years of pressure on the military to 
further integrate the Air Force. These men took a big step in the fight 
for equal civil rights, and made a major impact in the war as a result 
of their superior skill as pilots.
  As we face the challenges of today, we must remember their 
contribution to the U.S. Air Force and to the American civil rights 
movement. We must honor their dedication to the values of justice, 
equality and democracy as we go forth in our war against terrorists. 
The men and women that protect the citizens of this country come from 
many racial backgrounds. Because of the example of the Tuskegee Airmen, 
the aviation industry and the armed forces have been able to benefit 
from the contributions of many talented people from all different 
origins.
  In the promotion of democratic values abroad, the Tuskegee Airmen 
helped to promote the ideal of racial equality. We must remember their 
honorable service as well as the message that they promoted through 
their example. The lessons that can be taken from history must be 
remembered and practiced every day. In our war on terror, in our global 
humanitarian assistance, and in our domestic fight against crime, it is 
vital that we apply our national values to the conduct of our everyday 
lives.
  The memory of the deeds of the Tuskegee Airmen must not be forgotten. 
The fight against discrimination and evil is ongoing, and it is only by 
learning from our past that we can successfully achieve our goals of 
the future.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand with my colleagues in appreciation 
for the service of the Tuskegee Airmen and support of this resolution, 
and I would like to thank my colleague, Mr. Rogers of Alabama for his 
leadership on this issue.

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