| "Red Tails" poster |
The Red tails movie is out in theaters and becoming a success. The previous story I wrote about the movie, drew many responses from the public. George Lucas film "RedTails" proves race still a big factor with Hollywood elite - VIDEO From time to time I will invite another author to contribute their unique view to our readers on subjects that are of interest.
The name red tail, conjures up the image of a hawk lazily soaring on thermals far above the earth, searching for quarry with its powerful eyesight. The red tail hawk is an aerodynamic predator designed to instantly transform from lazy glide, into a diving weapon of death for any target it sets its' sights set on.
But there was another form of red tail that roamed the skies of Europe during World War II. These Red Tails dealt death and destruction to America's enemies. George Lucas’s latest movie, Red Tails, honors these warriors of the sky, who were also known as the Tuskegee Airmen.
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These young black men were educated, skilled and trained to do a job, but high-ranking military officers of the day doubted “Negroes” could handle it......These officers were proven wrong. Not only could these black pilots fly sophisticated combat aircraft, they were more than capable of outsmarting and outmaneuvering the enemy.
These Airmen were the best, having gone through the U.S. Army Air Corps training program at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, where they studied navigation, aircraft engines, science, math, codes and other courses. As cadet Airmen, they were required to take standardized tests to determine their I.Q., dexterity and leadership abilities... guess what? They met and exceeded standards set for Airmen of the day.
After completion of their training in the States, they were assigned combat duty over the dangerous and deadly skies of Europe, where one wrong move didn't just get you a demerit, it got you killed. The Tuskegee Airmen soon proved the claims false that Negroes didn't have the brainpower or coordination to handle fighter aircraft in combat conditions. In time, the Red Tails earned a reputation for being a unit that escorted bomber aircraft safely to their target(s) and home again. But it wasn't without great cost to the Airmen, as 66 of them were killed during service to their country
The Tuskegee Airmen were an elite fighter group, and have continued to receive recognition for their heroic acts in a multitude of museums, historical societies and aeronautic associations. Also, I think it is important to point out that the Tuskegee Airmen were comprised of not just pilots, but navigators, bombardiers, maintenance crew and instructors, all of which are crucial for a successful mission.
To say that I enjoyed this movie would be an understatement. Truth is, I was filled with pride as a black woman from a family where the men have served in every branch of the Armed Forces. I mean, there in front of me on the silver screen, were actors portraying men of honor like my grandfather, father, uncles, and cousins. It was a look back in America’s history to remind us this is where opportunity can lead you, but only if you work hard to get it. This is why I believe the success of the Tuskegee Airmen was more than seizing the moment. I believe the success of the Red Tails grew out of a strong sense of values, determination and courage that these black men exemplified.
Something else I find remarkable about them is the example they set when they chose to use their military training and education to be exceptional beyond their tour of duty. Once the war ended, many of the Tuskegee Airmen returned home and became doctors, lawyers and businessmen. Others made the decision to remain in the military or work for the government.
But all of these men continued to display the same courage and determination that so many said they would never be able to muster. For this, the Tuskegee Airmen will always be true heroes to my family.
Jana Neweley writes about American Conservative Politics from her unique point of view as a black conservative. Visit her website for commentaries at http://www.PimpingtheUS.com You can also follow her political tweets at http://www.twitter.com/PimpingtheUS
For the most unique gifts, time capsules in American and world history: lifemagforsale.
For other points of view visit Carroll Standard: www.carrollstandard.com
Here's the trailer for "Red Tails":
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