By Bob Katzen

The House approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would establish the fourth Thursday in March as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day “in recognition of the service and sacrifice during World War II of the Black pilots, bombardiers, navigators, flight surgeons, nurses, mechanics, instructors, crewmembers and all support personnel who changed the course of history.”

Chief sponsor Rep. Michelle Ciccolo (D-Lexington) said that these heroes embodied excellence while facing persistent segregation and discrimination. “This history is in danger of being erased by the federal government, with references to the Tuskegee Airmen being removed from Air Force basic training materials until public outcry saw the materials restored,” said Ciccolo. “Massachusetts should join our fellow states in committing to recognizing and remembering this history and legacy of excellence.”

“I cosponsored this bill to honor the Tuskegee Airmen, the first Black military pilots, to remind generations they represent courage, excellence and the fight for equality in U.S. history,” said co-sponsor Rep. Rodney Elliott (D-Lowell). “At the time, segregation and racism were common, and many people wrongly believed Black Americans couldn’t be effective pilots. They broke racial barriers and proved that Black Americans could be effective pilots, even in the face of injustice. To me they serve as role models for leadership, service and resilience and we owe the Airmen a debt of gratitude for their service.”