Introduction of the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Act of 2026

Floor Speech

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Mr. FIGURES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Act of 2026, which would authorize Tuskegee Airmen, Incorporated to establish a memorial on federal land in the District of Columbia to commemorate the service, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.

The Tuskegee Airmen are widely recognized for their exceptional combat record, including their escort missions protecting American bombers over the skies of Europe, which was vital to the Allied victory in World War II. During combat, they flew more than 15,000 sorties, escorting bombers and engaging enemy fighters. Their courage, skill, and unwavering determination helped pave the way for the desegregation of the U.S. military. Their achievements effectively broke down racial barriers, expanded opportunities for future generations of Black military personnel, and had a profound effect on the U.S. Armed Forces.

These men defended rights and freedoms abroad that they did not have back at home. They were trained as pilots on Moton Field and on Tuskegee Army Airfield in Tuskegee, Alabama, going on to form units such as the 99th Fighter Squadron and the 332nd Fighter Group. The Tuskegee Airmen, alongside thousands of Black mechanics, navigators, bombardiers, instructors, and support personnel, were essential to American victory in World War II.

The memorial will serve as an educational resource, designed to teach future generations about one of the greatest, most well-known, most well-decorated fighting forces in this Nation's history, and to highlight the important roles that Black military pilots and support personnel played during World War II.

The Tuskegee Airmen have received numerous accolades for their service, including the Congressional Gold Medal, 14 Bronze Stars, one Silver Star, 3 Distinguished Unit Citations, 96 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 744 Air Medals, and at least 60 Purple Hearts.

Their legacy has continued through Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., a national nonprofit organization founded in 1972 and incorporated in Washington, D.C., in 1975. The organization was established to preserve the history and achievements of the original Tuskegee Airmen and engage with youth to inspire future careers in aviation, aerospace, and STEM.

It is fitting that Congress enact legislation that would authorize a memorial of the Tuskegee Airmen in our Nation's capital, allowing millions of visitors who travel to Washington, D.C. each year to learn about and honor the extraordinary service and enduring legacy of the Airmen.

I invite all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation.

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