Press Release

Contact:
Brendan Daly
202-226-7616

For Immediate Release
03/16/2007

Congressional Leaders Announce Gold Medal Ceremony for Tuskegee Airmen on March 29

Washington, D.C. – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, President Pro Tempore of the Senate Robert Byrd, Chairman Carl Levin of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Chairman Charles Rangel of the House Ways and Means Committee announced today that the Congressional Gold Medal will be conferred upon the Tuskegee Airman in recognition of their heroism during World War II.  The ceremony will take place on Thursday, March 29.

Legislation awarding the Gold Medal, Congress’ most distinguished civilian award, was sponsored by Chairmen Rangel and Levin.

“The Tuskegee Airmen performed heroically during World War II, serving with honor and distinction,” said Speaker Pelosi and Leader Reid.  “Their unwavering commitment to protect and serve their country even in the face of segregation and discrimination is an inspiration befitting the highest congressional honor.”

During World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen were the first African Americans to fly in the United States military, and their efforts contributed to President Truman’s decision to desegregate the military in 1948.  The Gold Medal will be presented to the Tuskegee Airmen collectively during a ceremony in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol.