Tuskegee Airmen touchstone lands in Tallahassee with 'Rise Above' Red Tail exhibit
Tori Lynn SchneiderThe Tuskegee Airmen were a group of African American members of the U.S. Air Force who served as combat pilots in a segregated squad in World War II.
One of the planes they flew was a P-51C Mustang. A Red Tail.
A rare, still flying model is visiting Tallahassee this week.
The public is welcome to visit the Flightline Hanger at the Tallahassee airport, 3256 Capital Circle SW, to see the plane and explore the "Rise Above" Red Tail traveling exhibit. The exhibit includes a movie about the airmen in a portable theater.
WWII History in the capital city:
- How Pearl Harbor hit home in Tallahassee
- Story of the Tuskegee Airmen provides timeless lesson for kids, Red Tail planes on display
- Group wants to create museum for Tallahassee’s WWII air base
The exhibit comes at an important time, the middle of Black History Month. School groups visit during the day before it opens to the public in the afternoon.
Tallahassee resident Coach Macon stopped by the exhibit Tuesday in honor of his father, Thomas Macon.
Thomas Macon was one of the first to integrate the armed forces during World War II. With integration, he was bumped down in rank from sergeant to an Army private first class infantryman, but received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for his service.
The exhibit, which opened Tuesday, continues until Friday with public showings at 2:35 p.m., 3 p.m. and 3:25 p.m. The hangar will also be open on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. Weather permitting, the plane will be flown Saturday afternoon.
