Portion of Nassau roadway to be named 'Tuskegee Airmen Way', ceremony planned

Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano will join county legislators and local dignitaries at a ceremony designating a portion of Oak Street between Hempstead Turnpike and Commercial Avenue, which is in the communities of Hempstead, Uniondale and Garden City, as “Tuskegee Airmen Way.”

The April 20 event will honor and commemorate the legendary contributions of the Airmen to the United States during World War II. The program begins at 10 a.m. with a parade led by grand marshal Julius Freeman and concludes at noon. Also in attendance will be original Tuskegee Airman pilot William Johnson.

“It is fitting that we recognize the important role that the Tuskegee Airmen played during World War II and that their place in history be preserved,” Mangano said in a statement. “Their bravery and courage were vital to defending our nation’s freedom and we honor them for their distinguished service.”

As the first group of black pilots in the nation’s armed forces, the Airmen earned recognition for escorting bombers and were said to have ensured their protection better than any other U.S. fighter group.

Participants are asked to line up in the parking lot of 400 Oak St. at 9 a.m.