Silver Spring Library Renaming To Honor Memory Of Tuskegee Airman

Silver Spring MD

17 June, 2022

1:03 PM

Description

SILVER SPRING, MD — Montgomery County officials and family members of the Brig. Gen. Charles E. McGee will participate in a renaming ceremony Saturday morning at the Silver Spring Library. The facility will be renamed to honor the memory of the late Tuskegee Airman. Local officials scheduled to participate in the 10 a.m. ceremony include Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, County Council President Gabe Albornoz, and Councilmember Will Jawando. They'll be joined by Vice Chair Bob Koffman of the Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs; Gabriel Christian, a Tuskegee Airmen representative; Kevin K. Johnson, a representative of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; and Distinguished Flying Cross Society Secretary Lewis Watt. Elrich signed an executive order on Feb. 28 to rename the Silver Spring branch of the Montgomery County Public Libraries as the "Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library." McGee, who was a Montgomery County resident, died at the age of 102 on Jan. 16. During World War II, he served as a fighter pilot in the 332nd Fighter Squadron, an all-Black unit whose members were collectively known as "Tuskegee Airmen." McGee also flew combat missions in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. During his lifetime, McGee fought against racism and for equality, helping to pave the way for other African Americans to serve in the armed forces. Saturday's ceremony will include musical performances and other entertainment. There will also be an exhibit of McGee's photos and other artifacts Parking for the ceremony will be available in the garage located across the street at 921 Wayne Ave. Related: Silver Spring Library Renamed to Honor Tuskegee Airman Charles E. McGee, Tuskegee Airman, Dies At 102