A Belated Honor

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Last Thursday, a group of heroes from another time received recognition for their deeds from a grateful nation. The Tuskegee Airmen, were honored with the Congressional Gold Medal by President Bush and Congress. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor that Congress can bestow on an individual.
President Bush saluted the men, a significant gesture because commanders do not salute their soldiers in the military, they merely return the gesture when saluted. Bush said that the purpose of the salute was to "atone for all of the unreturned salutes and unforgivable indignities" endured by the Airmen.
The Tuskegee Airmen were an all-black squadron of fighter pilots who served in the Army Air Corps, the predecessor to the Air Force, during World War II. They were not allowed to train or serve with their white counterparts. The nickname was earned because of the place where they trained, Tuskegee Field in Alabama. They were also called the "Red Tails" because they painted the tails of their aircraft red to distinguish themselves from other squadrons.
These airmen are true heroes to their country, not just because of their exploits, which are commendable, but also because they stepped up amidst discrimination and adversity to serve.