Bill Text: AZ SCR1010 | 2013 | Fifty-first Legislature 1st Regular | Introduced
Bill Title: Tuskegee airmen commemoration day
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2013-01-29 - Introduced in Senate and read first time [SCR1010 Detail]
Download: Arizona-2013-SCR1010-Introduced.html
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REFERENCE TITLE: Tuskegee airmen commemoration day |
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State of Arizona Senate Fifty-first Legislature First Regular Session 2013
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SCR 1010 |
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Introduced by Senator Melvin
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A concurrent RESOLUTION
DESIGNATING THE MARCH 28, 2013 AS TUSKEGEE AIRMEN COMMEMORATION DAY IN ARIZONA.
(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)
Whereas, before World War II, African-Americans had very limited roles in the defense of our nation and none in military aviation; and
Whereas the United States War Department published a grossly inaccurate and disparaging "Official Report" in 1925 with the intent of relegating African-Americans to menial duty positions; and
Whereas, more African-Americans were receiving higher education by the time the United States was drawn into World war II, creating more meaningful jobs in the military that included flying airplanes; and
Whereas, the rapid expansion of aircraft production to meet the demands of air power during World War II created a greater need for military pilots; and
Whereas, the public outcry from the black population, black media and fair-minded whites exhorted the War Department to extend the opportunity to fly airplanes to all military members; and
Whereas, the United States War Department's Civil Pilot Training (CPT) Program authorized colleges and universities to train civilian students to increase the number of civilian pilots, thus having a clear impact on military preparedness; and
Whereas, Tuskegee Institute in Alabama was one of six black schools chosen to participate in the CPT Program and helped open the doors for the first black aviators in the United States armed forces; and
Whereas, despite facing great hardship and bigotry, the Tuskegee airmen experienced tremendous success in the air against the enemy, and they were eventually awarded several Silver Stars, 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses, eight Purple Hearts, fourteen Bronze Stars and 744 Air Medals; and
Whereas, the outstanding performance record of the Tuskegee airmen was unprecedented in military aviation history, thus disproving every adverse prejudiced contention that existed before World War II; and
Whereas, the month of March has historically been a special month for the Tuskegee airmen as it was when the first cadets received their silver wings, the first maintenance crew began training at Chanute Field, Illinois and the first pursuit squadron (the 99th) was activated. On March 27, 2007, President George W. Bush presented the Tuskegee airmen with the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal; and
Whereas, thirteen Tuskegee airmen have direct connections with the State of Arizona.
Therefore, be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Arizona, the House of Representatives concurring:
That March 28, 2013 is designated as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day in Arizona and that all Arizona citizens are encouraged to honor the accomplishments and sacrifices of the Tuskegee airmen with appropriate commemorative and educational activities.
