On Thursday evening inside the Winter Park Library, people came together to recognize Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day.
The state will officially recognize the day next year on the fourth Thursday of March.
“The unanimous passing off the bill, both the Florida House and the Florida Senate Democrats, Republicans,” said Sylvester Terry with the Central Florida Tuskegee Airmen. “That is unification. It chokes me up thinking about it for the sake of something that is right. It is not about their idea or your idea. It’s not a left versus a right, not conservative. It’s American (heroes) that deserve to be commended for their actions regardless of their race. “
The guests included only one of five triple-rated Tuskegee airmen, Clermont resident Daniel Keel. Keel explained the key to their success.
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“One: we all had a good education. Two: we had excellent training. Three: we had an excellent leader in Col. Davis. Four: we had valor,” Keel said.
Air Force Veteran Dr. Joel Londs said that when he got out of the Vietnam War, many of his fellow soldiers didn’t receive a hero’s welcome.
“They did everything they could to keep black folk out of aviation. Well wouldn’t you know, there’s some delights,” Ponds said.
Presenters also provided a brief history of the historic airmen, including five of whom were Haitian born.
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