Tuskegee Airmen (seated in white shirts) on tour in Detroit. |
The older
kids at the summer camp where I work had the opportunity to meet several of the
Tuskegee Airmen. There was a traveling tour sponsored by Focus Hope in Detroit.
The kids learned a bit of history as they watched a film, shook hands and asked
questions of the airmen who were present.
Parkridge Community Center camp kids visit with the Tuskegee Airmen. |
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The
Tuskegee Airmen were African American pilots who fought in World War II. They
were the first African American military aviators in the U.S. armed forces.
·
The
airmen were aviators “during the time of Jim Crow laws and a time when the
American military was racially segregated (Wikipedia).”
Some of the
kids already had background knowledge of the Tuskegee Airmen. They were
familiar with the movie Red Tails
which was based on the trials and triumphs of Tuskegee Airmen. These airmen
were considered heroes for their accomplishments.
Below are a
few trivia questions about the Tuskegee Airmen
1. The Tuskegee Airmen are known by the
color of their P-51 tails. What color were they?
2. The first 36 graduates at Tuskegee
formed the 99th Pursuit Squadron. Where were they stationed for
their first combat mission?
3. How many aerial victories are credited
to the Tuskegee Airmen?
4. Who is unofficially credited as the
only “Ace” of the Tuskegee Airmen?
5. Using the record of the Airmen, along
with other contributions by African American soldiers during the War, President
Harry Truman issued an Executive Order in 1948 that did what?
Answers to trivia
1. Red
2. Tunisia – The 99th
Squadron was sent to North Africa and flew its first combat mission against the
island of Pantelleria on June 2, 1943.
3. 112 – The Airmen flew rescue missions
and remained with the bombers until an enemy aircraft actually attacked.
4. Lee Archer Jr.
5. Desegregated the military.
To view all
of the trivia questions from where these were gathered check out www.funtrivia.com/en/subtopics/The-Tuskegee-Airmen-303143.html.
There are many heroes in history, some are local, and some are in our families. My hero is my grandfather Robert Pollard who served in the army during World War II. He served his country and his family well.
Who do you
consider to be a hero?
I really didn't know much about the Tuskegee Airmen. Thanks for sharing that information.
ReplyDeleteMy heroes are the brave men and women who risked or lost their lives to save others during 9/11.
Sherry, I agree with you about the 911 heroes.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment.
Love hearing about these vital heroes! I would say my grandfather was definitely one of mine.
ReplyDeleteCatherine Denton
Thanks Catherine - there is definitely something special about grandparents.
ReplyDelete