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Inauguration Is a Culmination for Black Airmen

The Obamas are masters of the little gesture with powerful meaning and impact.

There is nothing better than to see them apply this skill and sensitivity to this very important event in the life of our country.

Their bravery during the war — on behalf of a country that actively discriminated against them — helped persuade President Harry S. Truman to desegregate the military in 1948.

“The election of Barack Obama was like a culmination of a struggle that we were going through, wanting to be pilots,” said William M. Wheeler, 85, a retired Tuskegee combat fighter pilot who lives in Hempstead, N.Y. He tried to become a commercial pilot after the war but was offered a job cleaning planes instead.

Be sure to watch the video. It is very touching.

Labels: Administration Obama