TO HONOR THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN UPON THE RELEASE OF THE MOTION PICTURE RED TAILS, WHICH FOCUSES ON THE COURAGEOUS EXPLOITS OF THESE WORLD WAR II AFRICAN-AMERICAN AVIATORS, AND TO ENCOURAGE THE PEOPLE OF THE PALMETTO STATE TO ATTEND THIS FINE PRODUCTION.

Whereas, the Tuskegee Airmen (99th Pursuit Squadron) distinguished themselves as an elite and highly skilled bomber escort and fighter unit during World War II; and

Whereas, the presence of the Walterboro Airfield, which housed the 553rd bomber group and served as a training field for replacement pilots for the 332nd fighter group, gives South Carolina a direct link to the historical contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen to both the nation and the world; and

Whereas, the Tuskegee Airmen overcame seemingly insurmountable odds in the form of pervasive racial and legal impediments during the World War II era in order to make their contribution, and the accomplishments of the courageous African-American pilots of the 99th Pursuit Squadron, as the airmen were officially known, are world renowned; and

Whereas, in recognition of the recent release of the motion picture Red Tails, which revolves around the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, Richland County Council, the Spann Watson Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, and the Richland County Airport Commission will host An Afternoon With the Red Tails, a reception to be held on Saturday, February 25, 2012, from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. at the Jim Hamilton-L.B. Owens Airport Terminal Lobby, located at 1400 Jim Hamilton Boulevard in Columbia; and

Whereas, this event is free and open to the public; and

Whereas, grateful for the contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen to the freedom and safety of our nation, the Senate is pleased to encourage all South Carolinians to attend this family-friendly event, An Afternoon With the Red Tails, as well as the motion picture Red Tails, which so movingly tells the story of the Tuskegee Airmen. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, honor the Tuskegee Airmen upon the release of the motion picture Red Tails, which focuses on the courageous exploits of these World War II African-American aviators, and encourage the people of the Palmetto State to attend this fine production.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to the Spann Watson Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen.