Kennesaw State University Museum of History and Holocaust Education has created a series of banners that celebrate the history and accomplishments of the Tuskegee Airmen from Alabama. The exhibit is on loan to Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Airbase Georgia for display during Moonlight Swing, the ‘40s fundraising event and America 250 celebration Oct. 17 at the Airbase hangar at Atlanta Regional Airport – Falcon Field in Peachtree City.
“The Tuskegee Airmen” explores the history and heroism of the first African American pilots to fly in combat during World War II. Between 1941 and 1946, what became known as the “Tuskegee experiment” trained more than 1,000 pilots. Although required to train and fight in segregated units, the Tuskegee Airmen proved to be some of the most skilled aviators during the war.
The undeniable courage and skill of these brave pilots contributed to the desegregation of the United States Armed Forces in 1948. This exhibit offers a look into the historical challenges and triumphs of these American heroes.
“This exhibit highlights the aviation environment at Airbase Georgia as we kick off a much-needed capital campaign to grow our hangar and classroom spaces,” said Airbase Leader Mark Richards. “Our guests at Moonlight Swing will enjoy an unprecedented, immersive evening of 1940s music and atmosphere, highlighted by our aviation silent auction.”
“Guests will enter a transformed Airbase Georgia facility that will take them back to a 1945-era hotel end-of- war celebration,” Richards said. “Our guest list includes WWII veterans who served in Europe and the Pacific, and they will be honored during the evening. The CAF is committed to preserving the memories of the Greatest Generation, and we are doing this with Moonlight Swing and our historic, restored aircraft. Delta Air Lines, our title sponsor, is adding to the event with the stories of their Heritage Flights, which return veterans to Normandy, France.”
Dancers and Airbase volunteers will serve as reenactors, further creating the sense of history. Refreshment centers will include a hotel bar, a Pacific theater Tiki bar, and an Officers’ Club. Memorable music by the Peachtree Jazz Edition will set the mood for the entire event. Tickets and tables are available at airbasegeorgia.org.