Legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen
Submitted by Pete Nicolas
The Historical Society of Florham Park sponsored the program “The Legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen” on April 9th in the Akhoury Room of the Florham Park Public Library. It was another very well-attended event.
Dr. R. Merritt Brown, DMD, past President of the Morris County Historical Association, the 102nd Cavalry Regiment Association, and Northern NJ Military Officers Association shared history and behind-the-scenes insights.
Attendees learned that one of Florham Park connections was that his Tuskegee Airman father had previously been a student at the Little Red Schoolhouse!
The Tuskegee Airmen were the first Black pilots in U.S. history, breaking barriers and showing immense bravery during WWII. Their formation was a victory for civil rights activists, leading to their impressive track record and historic achievements. Despite facing racism post-WWII, the Tuskegee Airmen continued to be sought after for their expertise and contribution to Air Force technology.
One detail that distinguished the Tuskegee Airmen was their nickname, the “Red Tails“, which referred to how the Tuskegee Airmen painted the tails of their P-47 planes red. The noses and tails of their P-51 Mustang planes were red as well. Though this coloring may have seemed dangerous, as it could have made their planes stick out to enemies, the red detailing on the Tuskegee Airmen’s planes set them apart from other air squadrons. Indeed, American bomber pilots were relieved to see the fierce Red Tails appear and German pilots who both feared and respected the Tuskegee Airmen, called them the “Schwartze Vogelmenschen” (or “Black Birdmen”).
Following their service in the military, many Tuskegee Airmen were awarded medals, were asked to speak publicly on their experiences, and on March 29, 2007, they were collectively awarded a Congressional Gold Medal in the rotunda of the U.S. Capital.
The group has been represented in both documentary and dramatic films, such as the George Lucas-produced “Red Tails,” starring a-listers like Cuba Gooding Jr., Terrence Howard and Nate Parker, available for streaming on Disney Plus and Paramount Plus. According to Yahoo Entertainment, the movie “not only pays homage to historical triumphs but also captivates with its adrenaline-pumping aerial sequences and heartfelt narratives.”
The Historical Society of Florham Park is offering 4 free presentations to the general public in 2024. The March presentation was “Hidden Children of World War II” as told by Maud Dahme, NJ Hall of Famers, educator, and holocaust survivor. April followed with another educational presentation, this Legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, by Dr. R. Merritt Brown, DMD.
This October readers can look for the date announcement for presenter Peter Zablocki as he is planning his 3rd October in a row to present at the Florham Park Library, delivering “Presidential Visits to the Garden State”. “I wanted to write a political book that was not really political. The goal was to write a book that celebrates our state’s political history and not one that divides us over it.” Zablocki said. “It was super fun to research and equally difficult to present it in a non-partisan way. Hopefully, I succeeded.”
November’s presentation, appropriately fitting Florham Park’s 125th Anniversary, will review the history of the Vanderbilt family, including Florence Vanderbilt Twombly, favorite granddaughter of “Commodore” Vanderbilt who was once considered one of, if not the, richest man in the world.
In addition to the 4 free presentations, members of the Historical Society may also look forward to an additional three members-only events. The next event will also celebrate the founding of the Historical Society which was formed in April 26 1935 by Mrs Martha Conlon for the purpose of preserving the Little Red Schoolhouse, an “important landmark which was in grave danger of being torn down”. Anyone wishing to learn more about that event may write to Peter Nicolas at pnicolas@optimum.net or call 973-520-8654.
