Yesterday was Tuskegee Airmen commemoration day, and the city of Richmond celebrated in a big way.
Seven servicemen and women were honored for their military service.
One man in particular had been memorialized in an incredible way.
Oh, say can you see from 1941 to 1946.
996 black pilots were trained at Tuskegee Army Airfield.
Approximately 445 pilots were deployed overseas and 150 lost their lives during this period.
The complete and total success of the Tuskegee Airmen and their support personnel experiment transformed the rank and file of people who served our country in the military and transformed our society.
Today, some 72 years later, we dedicate this magnificent mural of First Lieutenant Frank Douglas Walker, one of those courageous pilot.
Frank de Walker was a Richmond native and a pioneer in more than one way.
Mr. Walker joined the U.S. Army Air Force at Fort Thomas, Kentucky, on April 15th, 1942.
Selected to become a combat pilot.
He was trained in assigned to the 332nd fighter group, the 301st Squadron of the famed Tuskegee Airmen.
Mr. Walker flew 55 missions, escorting and defending bombers in the European theater.
After his service, Mr. Walker became the first African American U.S.
Postal Service carrier here in Richmond.
This mural is a vivid tribute to this amazing man's life.
Along with it, we're dedicating a historical marker to celebrates.
Mr. Walker and six others from Madison County served in various roles with the Tuskegee Airmen.
Let us work to be worthy of their sacrifices by being better people, a better community that makes sure that everyone is included and no one is left behind.
The mural of Frank Douglas Walker and the historical marker can be seen on Madison County's public library's Richmond Branch building.