The unveiling and dedication of a bronze statue honoring Eatonton native and Tuskegee Airman Hiram Little was held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026 at the Veterans Wall of Honor Park in downtown Eatonton, Georgia.

The statue will serve as a permanent tribute to Little’s military service and role in the struggle for equality in the U.S. armed forces.

Little, who died in 2017, served with the 477th Bombardment Group during World War II and was among the Black officers who challenged segregation at Freeman Field in Indiana, an episode that became an important milestone in the eventual integration of the military.

Internationally-recognized sculptor Basil Watson was selected to create the bronze statue.

The Atlanta-based artist’s works include monuments to Martin Luther King Jr. and Congress member John Lewis.

The approximately eight-foot figure depicts Little as a young service member during World War II and will stand about 12 feet high with its pedestal.

The approximately $300,000 project was made possible through contributions from individuals, organizations and community partners.

Putnam County prepared and landscaped the site and installed a flagpole that will fly the American flag and a Tuskegee Airmen flag.

Source covenews.com

Jamila Little

Today was truly a proud and historic moment for my family and our hometown of Eatonton, Georgia.

I had the honor of attending the unveiling of the Hiram E. Little Monument, recognizing his courageous service as a Tuskegee Airman during World War II.

Seeing his legacy preserved in bronze, right here in the community where he was born, was emotional, powerful, and unforgettable. His courage, sacrifice, and dedication to this country will continue to inspire generations to come.

“Art does not create a legacy—it makes it visible.”

Today, his legacy became visible for the world to see.

Jamilla Little’s Facebook post

Learn more about Hiram Emory Little in Tuskegee Airmen Profiles!

Learn about his story from his son, Hiram Little Jr, and meet the sculpture artist in this short video.  CLICK HERE to watch.