Last month the CAF Red Tail Squadron participated in the Arsenal of Democracy flyover in Washington, DC, marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, known as V-E Day, May 7, 1945. Less than one year before that date, waves of troops were storming the beaches of Normandy, France in a heroic battle to end the war. Today marks 71 years since those American and Allied boots hit the sand in Operation Neptune, the first day of the invasion of Normandy, liberating France from the terror of the Nazis and setting the stage for Allied victory in Europe.
In honor of this solemn day, original Tuskegee Airman Lt Col Leo Gray has passed along photographs to share; images filled with heroism, grit, perseverance, pain, hope, strength and courage.
As we enjoy what is hopefully a sunny and calm Saturday, we reflect upon the sacrifices made by our service members on that fateful day and honor their memory and legacy.
The CAF Red Tail Squadron is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to educating audiences across the country about the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first black military pilots and their support personnel. Learn more at www.redtail.org.
