Tuskegee Airman to Be Honored Today
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
A Tuskegee airman from Providence who was shot down in World War II will be honored in a ceremony today.
Mayor David Cicilline will join forces with military officials, the Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame, representatives from the Congressional delegation and the Providence City Council to rededicate a memorial for Lieutenant William P. Armstrong at the corner of Dodge and Cranston streets in Providence.
Lieutenant Armstrong, a Providence resident and Tuskegee Airman, was shot down over Austria during World War II. The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African American military aviators in the United States armed forces. Despite many adversities, they trained and flew with honor. The original memorial for Armstrong was erected after his death but removed during the 1960s urban renewal and was unfortunately never replaced.
Armstrong’s family will be attending the ceremony, which includes a tribute to all Rhode Island servicemen and women, a Posting of the Colors by Hope High School’s 80-member ROTC, unveiling of the memorial and a presentation to Armstrong’s sister, Evelyn James of Florida.
The ceremony is at 1:15 p.m.
