HONORING VETERANS OF THE DISTINGUISHED UNIT LIVING IN THE SIXTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Washington, Jul 18, 2007 - "Although our nation was segregated during World War II, nearly 1,000 black Americans stepped forward to serve in a special Army Air Corps program to train as pilots," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala).  "The training took place in Tuskegee, Alabama, and they became the famed Tuskegee Airmen, who went on to establish an astounding record in combat.  In March, some 300 Tuskegee Airmen and their families attended an event in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C., receiving the Congressional Gold Medal.  However, not all of the Tuskegee Airmen attended this event and I would like to ensure that they receive the honors they earned."
Stearns will hold an event on July 23, 2007, honoring the Tuskegee Airmen living in the Sixth Congressional District, and he will present them with the Congressional Gold Medal.  The event will be held in the Marion County Commissioners' Chamber, McPherson Complex, 25th Avenue & Fort King, in Ocala.  Although the event starts at 9:00 AM, Stearns and the Tuskegee Airmen will be available for photos and interviews at 8:45 AM.  The event ends with a reception at approximately 9:30 AM.