Caption: Lt. Col Harry T. Stewart,(Credit: Photos by Monica Morgan Photography)
On the Fourth of July, Lt. Col. Harry Stewart, a revered American Hero, distinguished Tuskegee Airman, and 1st Top Gun winner, joyously marked his 100th birthday surrounded by his family, friends, and loved ones. The celebration, hosted by the Detroit Chapter of The Tuskegee Airmen and Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum, was a heartwarming tribute to his remarkable legacy and service to his country.
1941, Lt. Col. Stewart’s lifelong dream of becoming a pilot soared into reality when he earned his pilot’s license and joined the 332nd Fighter Group, also known as the 332nd Fighter Group. His love for airplanes was ignited at a young age, with his parents often recalling how he would enthusiastically leap up and down as planes flew over their home in Newport News, Virginia. This passion only intensified when his family moved to Queens, New York, near what would later become LaGuardia Airport.
Caption: Birthday Cake (Credit: Photos by Monica Morgan Photography)
Stewart is a living testament to the courage and resilience of approximately 1,000 individuals who overcame tremendous adversity to serve their country with honor and distinction. Racial integration within the military began not until 1948, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice.
In the 1970s, Stewart and his fellow aviators gained recognition as the Tuskegee Airmen, a name associated with their historic achievements and contributions to the United States military. This recognition followed the publication of a book by another service member, which helped to immortalize the brave legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.
Captions: Lt. Col. Lawrence Milben and Harry T. Stewart (Credit: Photos by Monica Morgan Photography)
In 1995, the bravery and dedication of the Tuskegee Airmen were officially recognized. Their remarkable story was brought to the screen in the television movie “The Tuskegee Airmen,” featuring Laurence Fishburne in a leading role. This portrayal of the courageous airmen’s experiences highlighted their significant contributions during the war. Their story was later adapted into a Hollywood film in 2012, with legendary filmmaker George Lucas taking on the role of executive producer, solidifying the Tuskegee Airmen’s legacy for future generations.