WASHINGTON, D.C.  -  With the passage of a House resolution allowing the use of the U.S. Capitol Rotunda for a ceremony to recognize the 60th anniversary of the beginning of the integration of the Armed Forces, Congressman Mike Rogers requested today House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (CA) also recognize the contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen during the event.

"I was pleased to see this resolution pass so that we may look forward to helping honor the contributions of so many brave African Americans throughout our nation’s history who fought bravely for the freedoms we enjoy today," Rogers said.

Rogers said while the Airmen have received numerous honors over the years, he believes further recognizing their contributions at this event is significant. The Tuskegee Airmen trained at Moten Field in Tuskegee, Alabama.

‘…As you know, over the course of World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen, the world-renowned group of distinguished African American service members, returned home with some of our nation’s highest military honors including 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 744 Air Medals, 8 Purple Hearts, and 14 Bronze Stars,’ the letter to Pelosi stated.

Rogers also said in February he introduced House Concurrent Resolution 297, a bill honoring the 60th anniversary of the beginning of the integration of the U.S. Armed Forces. The bill has 38 cosponsors, including all members of the Alabama delegation.

Rogers said he hoped Congress will consider that resolution, or a similar piece of legislation, that honors the service of these brave Americans later this summer. Rogers is a member of the Armed Services Committee.
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