Pete Sessions: “today, with a great sense of honor and respect, I rise to pay tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, both for their bravery…”

“today, with a great sense of honor and respect, I rise to pay tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, both for their bravery while fighting for our country's freedom in World War II and for their contributions in creating an integrated U.S. Air Force. Like many of the heroes of World War II, these brave men left their families at home to fight overseas for the principles of freedom and democracy. Unlike most of their colleagues, these great airmen also fought an enemy of racism and prejudice at home. Thankfully, on both fronts, they were victorious. I am proud to stand today to recognize this great accomplishment, honor their service, and thank them for their dedication to racial equality in the U.S. armed services. For decades, our military denied African Americans the opportunity to serve in leadership positions in the armed services. Although willing to serve a country that did not yet fully recognize their own civil rights, these men were systematically denied the benefit of skilled training in preparation for war.”