Transportation Secretary Announces New Video Display in Rest Area Honoring Tuskegee Airmen

Video illustrates the historically significant contributions of the Chicago “DODO” Chapter

CHICAGO – Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider today unveiled a new video, honoring the Chicago “DODO” Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen. The video, featuring original members of the Tuskegee Airmen, is being displayed at the northbound Prairie View rest area on Interstate 57 in Will County, just south of the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Trail, which was dedicated by Governor Pat Quinn in February.

“We are so excited for the opportunity to honor and celebrate these American heroes,” said Secretary Schneider. “Our hope is that motorists from Illinois and far beyond will learn just how important the contributions of these individuals were, and continue to be, for our country.”

Governor Quinn dedicated the memorial trail, which spans the stretch of I-57 from Exit 339 at Sauk Trail Road to Exit 358 at Wentworth Avenue in Chicago, pursuant to House Resolution 28, sponsored by Rep. Marlowe Colvin (D-Chicago).

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has placed signs to mark the trail, which honors the fighter group’s valiant service to the United States in World War II.
Prairie View Rest Area is located at mile marker 333 on I-57. The videos now playing at the rest area are also available on IDOT’s YouTube channel:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkP1GVsmWxE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXJ9DvhV9XM

Formally known as the 332nd Fighter Group, the Tuskegee Airmen were the first group of black pilots to ever fly for the U.S. military. Overcoming prejudice and discrimination, this elite group played an integral role in the Allied victory in World War II. The unit flew more than 15,000 combat sorties for more than 1500 missions and by the end of the war had earned more than 900 citations, including 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses. Today, the Tuskegee Airmen continue to serve our country as an organization working to provide youth with education opportunities.

To visit the official website of the Chicago “DODO” Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, visit http://www.taichicago.org/.