Mike Levin: “during the last Session of the 108th Congress, I informed my colleagues of my intention to introduce bipartisan…”

“during the last Session of the 108th Congress, I informed my colleagues of my intention to introduce bipartisan legislation in the 109th Congress, to authorize the awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the ``Tuskegee Airmen.'' Congress has commissioned the gold medal as its highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions. Today, I am pleased to be joined by Senators McCain, Stabenow, Dole, Obama, Graham, Rockefeller, Pryor, Ben Nelson, Landrieu and Kerry in introducing legislation, S. 392, that would bestow this great honor on the Tuskegee Airmen, in recognition of their extraordinary courage and unwavering determination to become America's first black military airmen. The Tuskegee Airmen were not only unique in their military record, but they inspired revolutionary reform in the armed forces, paving the way for integration of the Armed Services in the U.S. The largely college educated Tuskegee Airmen overcame the enormous challenges of prejudice and discrimination, succeeding, despite obstacles that threatened failure. What made these men exceptional was their willingness to leave their families and put their lives on the line to defend rights that were denied them here at home.”