Video:  Tuskegee Airmen – National Historic Site

By Linda White
Reporter
Published: October 10, 2008

In 1941, the first African-American military pilots were trained right here in Alabama two hours south of Birmingham in Tuskegee. Later to become known as the Tuskegee airmen, the place where they trained is now a national park service historic site. Its grand opening was held Friday.

Known as the Tuskegee experiment, Tuskegee Airmen endured segregation, discrimination and prejudice to become one of the most respected fighter groups of World War II. They proved African-Americans could fly and maintain combat aircraft, paving the way for full integration in the U.S. Military.

Airmen said, “This is my proudest moment. I see generals and colonels.“

As a Tuskegee Airmen, Lee Archer Jr. is proud to see the African-American men and women who’ve followed in his footsteps. Archer tried to get into the training school for pilots three times - until after the threat of a lawsuit - the Air Dorce finally gave in and created the Tuskegee Airmen experiment.
“And they asked me and a lot of other people who had been refused are you still interested and of course all of us said yes,“ Archer said.

“And today Moton Field where the airmen trained is now officially open as a national historic landmark. The planes you see here were actually flown in for this weekend’s event. As you can see, they actually had a landing strip to come in on.  But back in the 40’s when the Tuskegee Airmen were here they had to practice their landings and take offs on grass.“

The discrimination they experienced both on and off this field didn’t stop them from fulfilling their dreams serving our country and helping others fulfill theirs too.

“But the changes have been great and I see it in people with stars and eagles on their shoulders including African-American women,“ Archer said.

Master Sgt. Beverly Williams said, “The fact that the opportunities I have now they didn’t have back then and of course we’re thankful that they sacrificed as much as they did so that we can have this opportunity.“

Opportunities that Archer believes should continue and will be seen at Moton Field for generations to come.

The historic site includes vintage photos, a repaired hanger, a rebuilt one… and the link trainer, where would-be pilots were trained on flight maneuvers.

Nearly 1,000 pilots were trained in Tuskegee from 1940 until 1946 when the program ended.