Red Tail Squadron Celebrating 70th Anniversary in 2011

Colorado is known for the Rocky Mountains, great skiing and the "Mile High City," but it also happens to be home to more surviving Tuskegee Airmen than any other state. On Saturday night, November 19, the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum in Denver's historic Lowry neighborhood is hoping for a good turnout at a gala to honor the eight Red Tail Squadron members who reside in the state.

The members of the group trained in Tuskegee, Alabama, and became famous for their red-tailed P-51 fighters. The squadron was an experiment by Pentagon officials, who didn't believe blacks were well suited to be pilots. Instead, their exemplary performance and service led to the integration of the military. The group is marking the 70th anniversary of its founding this year.

From the museum's website, "You will have the privilege of meeting Tuskegee Airmen and hearing their stories first hand. The Tuskegee Airmen, African American United States Army Air Forces pilots, flew and fought bravely during World War II. As members of the 332nd Fighter Group and the 477th Bombardment Group their perseverance and bravery benefited our nation in ways that are still being lived out today!"

Admission to the gala starts at $200 for museum members, $250 for non-members. The event will be MC'd by the museum's Ambassador to Youth, a KUSA-TV reporter named...Amelia Earhart.

FMI: www.wingsmuseum.org