Hundreds of Central Floridians turned out on Veterans Day at the Orlando Science Center for the dedication of the first-of-its kind national monument in honor of the Red Tail pilots of the Tuskegee Airmen.
A small group of the last remaining Red Tail Pilots attended today’s unveiling. They were: Lt. Col. Leo Gray, Lt. Col. Hiram Mann, Lt. Calvin Spann, Major Ralph L. Turner, 2nd Lt. Col. Raymond Cassagnol and Col. Charles McGee.
Located outside the east entrance to the Science Center on Princeton Street in Orlando, the iconic monument boasts a 12-foot-spire and inspirational message, which in part reads:
Recognizing the bravery, passion and sacrifice of the Red Tail Pilots of the Tuskegee Airmen. 932 African-American pilots graduated from Tuskegee, Alabama from 1942 to 1946. 355 airmen, considered an elite group of fighter pilots, became the 332nd Fighter Group of the 15th Air Force. They were the first African-American combat pilots.
They earned distinction for flying escort for our heavy bombers over Europe in WWII. Of the 355 Red Tail Pilots, 80 were killed and 32 were prisoners of war.
…Their example inspires future generations to reach to the skies and realize that all things are possible.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, who paid tribute to the legendary Red Tail Pilots said, it is fitting that the monument is located at the Science Center which serves as a rich resource, inspiring residents and visitors especially in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and now Aviation. “It is my hope that, through this collaboration we will inspire the next generation of aviators, scientists and engineers,” he said, as a Red Tail Mustang P-51 flew overhead in honor of the heroes.
Dyer presented each of the Red Tails with a key to the City of Orlando.
Commissioner Robert Stuart (District 3), talked about how important it is to remember and noted, “we are all bound together not because of the color of our skin, but by our devotion to country.”
“These are men [Red Tails] who gave their lives for our country, in service both during and after war and they are men that need to be honored,” he added.
Several other Tuskegee Airmen, including Lt. Col. George E. Hardy, Capt. Rosco Brown and 1st Lt. John H. Leahr, who attended today’s dedication, were also recognized, along with their families.
JoAnn Newman, President and CEO, Orlando Science Center noted that, while the monument honors the incredible legacy of the Red Tail Pilots, she “believes it will also help to inspire young people to pursue their own dreams…to invent and create something that changes the world.”
“We want to inspire young people, especially minorities and girls to pursue STEM careers, as there are far too few of them,” she added.
With a price tag in excess of $70,000, Syd Levy, President and CEO, United Trophy, who financed the monument said, today’s dedication was “especially beautiful” for him.
Other officials present included, Congressman John Mica, Orange County Commissioners Sam Ings and Tony Ortiz, as well as, Mike McKenzie, President & CEO of Vision of Flight.
