WICHITA, Kansas - A combined exhibit honoring the courage, bravery and patriotism of the first black airmen in the United States military is now on display at The Kansas African American Museum.
A special ceremony Sunday marked the opening of "The Tuskegee Airmen Exhibition." On hand for the event were three members of the Tuskegee Airmen.
“I was a B25 bomber pilot,” said Dr. Donald Jackson.
Jackson never saw combat but remembers the military days well.
“I must admit though, going through the program was very confident giving for the rest of my life,” he said.
Jackson was at the museum signing autographs and meeting with Kansans for the opening of two traveling exhibits honoring the heroic airmen.
“It's due to gentlemen like this that have been able to make the City of Wichita capable of being able to say that we were part of making history in this country,” said Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer.
While they trained and flew with distinction, the Tuskegee Airmen faced some adversities. They experienced racial discrimination both within and outside the military.
“I don't think that anybody realized that we were growing up in the ghettos of America until they started this program,” said Jackson.
That program is now on display for all to see. It includes replica model planes, uniformed mannequins, photographs and other memorabilia.
“It's educating about the past and it's inspiring hope for the future,” said Prisca Barnes, executive director of The Kansas African American Museum.
The two exhibits will be on display through August 20. Regular admission applies.
