The Air Force Academy is paying tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen with a wreath laying ceremony on May 2nd, at 11:15 a.m. This year marks the 78th anniversary of the Tuskegee Airmen. 

The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of African American fighter pilots in the U.S. Army Air Corps of World War II. The U.S. Air Force was not a separate entity at that point .

The Army resisted using black men as pilots, but in response to a pending lawsuit, they created a segregated unit for them.

On March 29th, 2007, the Tuskegee Airmen received the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award which may be bestowed by the United States Congress. 

The tribute is being hosted by the Air Force Academy’s "Way of Life Committee" and the Commandant of Cadets Brigadier General Kristin Goodwin.

During the ceremony, the wreath is being placed at the Tuskegee Airmen statue in the Honor Court. After the ceremony, a luncheon will be held in the Arnold Hall ballroom.  

One of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen passed away in March. Floyd Carter Sr. had passed away at the age of 95.