Memorial Day Fly-in at Moton Field 2019

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By: Reuben Sparks

The 52nd Annual Memorial Day Fly-in on May, 25, 2019, at Moton Field, Tuskegee, Alabama was a celebration of the life of Colonel Herbert Carter, an original Tuskegee Airmen. Historic Moton Field was the home of the Tuskegee Airmen. Colonel Herbert Carter was one of the first 33 members of the original Tuskegee Airmen. Carter flew 77 missions with the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. He served in the US Air Force for twenty-five years before retiring in 1969. Carter also served at Tuskegee Institute as an Associate Dean for Student Services, Associate Dean for Admissions and Recruiting, and a Financial Aid Counselor following his retirement from the Air Force. Mrs. Mildred L. Hemmons-Carter, his wife, was the first African American woman to become a licensed pilot in the State of Alabama. Colonel Carter passed in 2012.
The Annual Memorial Day Fly-in offers the opportunity for aviation groups to fly-in and promote their organization. This year’s fly-in attracted lots of vendors, planes and spectators. The 2019 fly-in showcased the new terminal at Moton Field, named in honor of Colonel Carter. Moton Field is now operated by the City of Tuskegee. It is also the home of the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site. Those who attended got the opportunity to visit Hangar Two in the National Historic Site and see many historical artifacts, including the P-51 Mustang aircraft flown by the Tuskegee Airmen. The Site presented an exciting rotating video about the history of the Tuskegee Airmen.
The fly-in was sponsored by the Tuskegee-Macon County, Legends of Aviation. This was a family friendly event with thought-provoking exhibits for all ages and tastes.