[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 120 (Wednesday, July 22, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E729]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        INTRODUCTION OF THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN MEMORIAL ACT OF 2026

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SHOMARI FIGURES

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 22, 2026

  Mr. FIGURES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Tuskegee 
Airmen Memorial Act of 2026, which would authorize Tuskegee Airmen, 
Incorporated to establish a memorial on federal land in the District of 
Columbia to commemorate the service, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of 
the Tuskegee Airmen.
  The Tuskegee Airmen are widely recognized for their exceptional 
combat record, including their escort missions protecting American 
bombers over the skies of Europe, which was vital to the Allied victory 
in World War II. During combat, they flew more than 15,000 sorties, 
escorting bombers and engaging enemy fighters. Their courage, skill, 
and unwavering determination helped pave the way for the desegregation 
of the U.S. military. Their achievements effectively broke down racial 
barriers, expanded opportunities for future generations of Black 
military personnel, and had a profound effect on the U.S. Armed Forces.
  These men defended rights and freedoms abroad that they did not have 
back at home. They were trained as pilots on Moton Field and on 
Tuskegee Army Airfield in Tuskegee, Alabama, going on to form units 
such as the 99th Fighter Squadron and the 332nd Fighter Group. The 
Tuskegee Airmen, alongside thousands of Black mechanics, navigators, 
bombardiers, instructors, and support personnel, were essential to 
American victory in World War II.
  The memorial will serve as an educational resource, designed to teach 
future generations about one of the greatest, most well-known, most 
well-decorated fighting forces in this Nation's history, and to 
highlight the important roles that Black military pilots and support 
personnel played during World War II.
  The Tuskegee Airmen have received numerous accolades for their 
service, including the Congressional Gold Medal, 14 Bronze Stars, one 
Silver Star, 3 Distinguished Unit Citations, 96 Distinguished Flying 
Crosses, 744 Air Medals, and at least 60 Purple Hearts.
  Their legacy has continued through Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., a national 
nonprofit organization founded in 1972 and incorporated in Washington, 
D.C., in 1975. The organization was established to preserve the history 
and achievements of the original Tuskegee Airmen and engage with youth 
to inspire future careers in aviation, aerospace, and STEM.
  It is fitting that Congress enact legislation that would authorize a 
memorial of the Tuskegee Airmen in our Nation's capital, allowing 
millions of visitors who travel to Washington, D.C. each year to learn 
about and honor the extraordinary service and enduring legacy of the 
Airmen.
  I invite all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this 
legislation.

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