Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, District 3 City Commissioner Robert F. Stuart and representatives of Vision of Flight and Orlando Science Center will honor the Red Tail pilots of the Tuskegee Airman with a monument groundbreaking event on Tuesday, May 7 at 2 p.m. at Orlando Science Center.
The event honors the dedicated service of the Red Tail pilots on the anniversary of their last mission. Three surviving Red Tail pilots who call Central Florida home will be in attendance at the groundbreaking and recognized at the event for their service: Lt. Col. Leo Gray, Lt. Col. George Hardy and Lt. Col. Hiram Mann.
The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African American military aviators in the United States armed forces. There were 932 pilots trained at Tuskegee, Ala., of whom 356 airmen were considered an elite group of fighter pilots that were sent to various bases in Europe. Flying escort for heavy bombers, the pilots earned an impressive combat record. The Allies called these airmen “Red Tails” or “Red-Tail Angels” because of the distinctive crimson paint predominantly applied on the tail section of the unit’s aircraft.
WHO:
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer
District 3 City Commissioner Robert F. Stuart
Vision of Flight Executive Director Mike McKenzie
Orlando Science Center President and CEO JoAnn Newman
Red Tail Pilot Lt. Col. Leo Gray
Red Tail Pilot Lt. Col. George Hardy
Red Tail Pilot Lt. Col. Hiram Mann
WHEN:
Tuesday, May 7 | 2 p.m.
WHERE:
Orlando Science Center | 777 E. Princeton St., Orlando, FL 32803
WHY:
During World War II, African Americans in many U.S. states were still subject to the Jim Crow laws. The Tuskegee Airmen were subjected to racial discrimination, both within and outside the army. Despite these adversities, they trained and flew with distinction. The monument to be announced on Tuesday will ultimately honor the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and serve as an inspiration for future generations.
The monument will offer our community a symbol of courage and triumph over adversity that will inspire them in their pursuit of academic success and careers in STEM fields, such as aviation.
