[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 34 (Wednesday, February 28, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E421]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN AND THE U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK UDALL

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 28, 2007

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam Speaker, I rise not only as a Member of 
Congress but also as a member of the Board of Visitors for the United 
States Air Force Academy, to acknowledge the contributions to freedom 
made by the famous Tuskegee Airmen during World War II.
  Each year at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, 
people gather to remember and honor the African-American airmen, and 
their families, who sacrificed so much as part of their service in the 
formation of an all-African-American fighting unit known as the 
``Tuskegee Airmen.'' From across the country and all walks of life, 
these young volunteers were trained at the Tuskegee Army Air Field in 
Alabama. They were among the most decorated and successful fighter 
pilots in American history.
  My father, Mo Udall, also served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during 
World War II. He was not engaged with the Tuskegee Airmen, but he 
commanded the 75th Air Squadron, an African-American unit. His 
experience with these men led him to a lifelong and passionate 
commitment to racial equality, and I know that if he were alive today, 
he would want to join me in keeping the flame of remembrance alive for 
the brave African-American aviators and soldiers who fought for their 
country when their country still denied them equal rights.
  As people gather in Colorado Springs at the Air Force Academy in a 
few days to rededicate the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial and honor the 
memory of men like Clarence Shivers, who was not only a member of the 
unit but also the sculptor of the memorial, I believe they should 
attend this ceremony with the full support and appreciation of 
Congress.
  Let us also use the occasion of this event to rededicate ourselves to 
building a nation that honors duty, service, and sacrifice and works 
for the preservation of civil rights and liberties for all people.

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