By Ken Storey
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. The film 'Red Tails' gives the history of these groundbreaking pilots.
The groundbreaking for the new monument took place earlier in May, 2013. The event was attended by many local politicans including Mayor Dyer and District 3 City Commissioner Robert F. Stuart. The event was also attended by three of the pilots that now call Central Florida home; Lt. Col. Leo Gray, Lt. Col. George Hardy and Lt. Col. Hiram Mann.
To honor these pilots and all of the brave 'Red Tail Angels' a new monument is being built just outside the east entrance to the Orlando Science Center. The new monument will provide an educational opportunity for the many children that visit the science center each year. The monument is being erected as a symbol of courage and triumph over adversity that will hopefully inspire students in their pursuit of academic success and careers in STEM fields, such as aviation.
The groundbreaking for the new monument took place earlier in May, 2013. The event was attended by many local politicans including Mayor Dyer and District 3 City Commissioner Robert F. Stuart. The event was also attended by three of the pilots that now call Central Florida home; Lt. Col. Leo Gray, Lt. Col. George Hardy and Lt. Col. Hiram Mann.
