Senate Majority Leader Flanagan Welcomes Tuskegee Airmen To Senate Chamber

Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan (2^nd Senate District) was honored to recently welcome four New York State veterans who bravely served our nation in World War II as part of the historic and highly decorated Tuskegee Airmen.

“It is always an honor to welcome these brave men to the Senate Chamber to show our appreciation for their efforts on behalf of New York.  These men are walking history who overcame so much to fight for our nation and they deserve every accolade they receive.  It was truly my pleasure to host these American heroes and I hope they enjoyed their visit as much as we did,” stated Senator Flanagan.

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African-American military aviators in the United States Armed Forces who fought in World War II.  Their unit included pilots, navigators, bombardiers, mechanics, instructors, crew chiefs, nurses, cooks and all the personnel who helped to maintain our military aircraft.

The prestigious group flew over 1,500 missions by the end of the Second World War.  Their efforts were recognized with 14 Bronze Stars, 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses and 744 Air Medals.

These decorated veterans were at the Capitol for the 2016 Legislative tribute to their 75^th Anniversary.  In addition to inviting the men to the Senate Chamber, the Senate passed a resolution commemorating the special anniversary (J6340).

Residents can visit tuskegeeairmen.org to read more about these brave men who distinguished themselves through bravery, valor and allegiance to the United States of America.