Press Release

Exhibit Honoring Tuskegee Airmen to Visit New Orleans

The National WWII Museum and Commemorative Air Force Join Forces to Celebrate African American Achievements During WWII

NEW ORLEANS (May 15, 2013) — It’s a week of thrills when a free traveling exhibit detailing the extraordinary story of WWII’s African-American pilots known as the Tuskegee Airmen opens at Lakefront Airport on Wednesday, May 22 and runs through Saturday, May 25.

The event is sponsored by the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) of Midland, Texas and The National WWII Museum, and is presented locally by Flightline First. The exhibit features a restored P-51 Mustang fighter of the sort used by the Tuskegee Airmen in their Red Tails squadron. The film, a short original work entitled Rise Above, tells how the African-American fighters overcame prejudice to serve their country in WWII. It will be shown on a 160-degree panoramic screen in a climate-controlled trailer. The Museum’s Redball Express exhibit will offer hands-on educational experiences by showing the true meaning of service and sacrifice. The exhibit tells the story of African-American servicemen who manned a truck convoy system to supply US troops in the European theater of war. One such truck from World War II will also be on display.

"We’re proud to support the efforts by the CAF to educate young Americans on the bravery of the Tuskegee pilots and the Red Ball Express drivers," said Museum President and CEO Gordon H. "Nick" Mueller. "Education is the central mission of The National WWII Museum and this fascinating and inspirational history of these African-American service members is something all Americans need to know about."

New Orleans Lakefront Airport is located at 6001 Stars and Stripes Boulevard. Pre-registered groups may tour free of charge from Wednesday, May 22 through Friday, May 24. Space is limited. Public tours are Saturday, May 25 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. To reserve your one hour experience, please call 504-528-1944 x 229.

The CAF Red Tail Squadron is a volunteer-driven 501c3 non-profit organization that operates as part of the Commemorative Air Force. Its mission is to preserve and share the history of the Tuskegee Airmen — America’s first black military pilots and their crews. For more information visit www.redtail.org.

The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American Experience in the war that changed the world — why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today. Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and designated by Congress as America’s National WWII Museum, it celebrates the American Spirit, the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who fought on the battlefront and the Home Front. For more information, call 877-813-3329 or 504-527-6012 or visit www.nationalww2museum.org. Follow us on Twitter at WWIImuseum or visit our Facebook fan page.