Press Release  Governor Healey Signs Bill Establishing Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day

Boston — Yesterday, Governor Maura Healey ceremonially signed An Act Establishing the Fourth Thursday in March as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day, formally recognizing the service, sacrifice, and contributions of the African American military aviators known as the Tuskegee Airmen. The Governor was joined at the signing by Brigadier General Enoch “Woody” Woodhouse and Dr. Harold May, both Massachusetts veterans and Original Tuskegee Airmen, as well as Veterans Services Secretary Eric Goralnick, MD,MS, Major General Gary Keefe, Senator Cindy Friedman and Representative Michelle Ciccolo.  

“This law honors and pays tribute to the extraordinary bravery and patriotism of the Tuskegee Airmen who served our nation with distinction and shaped our history,” said Governor Healey. “By establishing Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day in Massachusetts, we ensure that future generations understand their role in advancing equality and excellence in our service. Thank you to Senator Friedman and Representative Ciccolo and all of the veterans and their families for advocating for this important bill.”

“This important commemoration ensures that the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen remains a permanent part of our shared history,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “It tells the full story of their service and recognizes the Tuskegee Airmen as an example of patriotism, excellence and perseverance.”

Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day, a bill sponsored by Senator Cindy Friedman and Representative Michelle Ciccolo, requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation on the fourth Thursday in March. The observance provides an opportunity for Massachusetts to honor the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and reflect on the lasting impact of their service on the nation’s military and civil rights history.

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African American military pilots and aircrew in United States history, trained as part of a groundbreaking program during World War II at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama. Between 1941 and 1946, nearly 1,000 pilots graduated from the program, and more than 14,000 men and women served as pilots, navigators, bombardiers, mechanics, instructors, nurses and support personnel. Today, fewer than a dozen Original Tuskegee Airmen are believed to remain living nationwide.

"Establishing Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day ensures that their achievements and unwavering commitment to our nation will be remembered for generations to come," said Secretary Goralnick . "It was a great honor to stand alongside Brigadier General Woody Woodhouse and Dr. Harold May — heroes whose lives embody the very best of our Commonwealth and our country.”

“The Tuskegee Airmen embodied courage and an unshakable belief in a country that did not always believe in them," said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland).  "By establishing Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day, Massachusetts affirms that their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten, and that their fight for equality is inseparable from our ongoing work to build a more just Commonwealth. We are deeply honored to recognize their extraordinary legacy.”

“Our Commonwealth has a strong dedication to recognizing and honoring the service of our veterans — and the Tuskegee Airmen should be no exception considering the remarkable bravery and fortitude these service members possessed,” said Senator Cindy Friedman (D-Arlington). “I am incredibly proud of the work that the New England Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen – specifically the work of my constituent, Sean Osborne – does to shine a light on stories of residents who, while lesser-known, make up the rich history of Massachusetts and our nation. I thank Sean for working with me and Representative Ciccolo to bring attention to our Tuskegee Airmen and for getting this bill to the Governor’s desk.” 

"I was immensely proud to file this bill on the House side, especially as we witness repeated attempts to erase Black history throughout the country,” said Representative Michelle Ciccolo (D-Lexington). “Thank you to the advocates who brought this issue to my attention. This timely bill's passage will ensure that we recognize and remember the Tuskegee Airmen's history and legacy of excellence."

“The Tuskegee Airmen are forever legends in American history,” said Representative Joe McGonagle, House Chair, Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs (D-Everett). “I am eternally grateful for their sacrifice and service. I am also incredibly proud of Governor Healey and my colleagues in the Legislature for taking the initiative to cement their legacy in Massachusetts; to be honored year after year. This is what true patriotism looks like.”  

"As Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day approaches, Senator Velis and our office are grateful that Governor Healey has signed this important legislation into law today. Establishing this day of recognition ensures that Massachusetts will continue to honor the courageous Tuskegee Airmen whose bravery, service, and achievements broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of Black servicemembers," said a spokesperson for Senator John Velis (D-Westfield), who is currently on active duty with the National Guard.  

In March 2023, Governor Healey created the Executive Office of Veterans Services to serve veterans of all branches, eras, and backgrounds, supporting them from the moment they leave military service through every stage of civilian life. Through this work, the Administration has focused on expanding access to benefits, improving care at the state’s veterans homes, and strengthening mental health and suicide prevention services. 

###