GEORGETOWN, S.C. (WPDE) - Lt. Col. George Hardy, a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, is in Georgetown County this weekend for an event honoring the group. Friday night, he talked to a crowd before a showing of the movie Red Tails, which is based on the famed Tuskegee Airmen. They were the first all African-American pursuit squadron during World War II.
Hardy says at the time they weren't thinking about the historical significance. "We were young and wanted to fly," he explains.
Hardy travels the country speaking to groups about his time in the service which includes serving in the Korean War and Vietnam. Hardy says it's important that he reaches out to kids.
"To indoctrinate the kids and what they can do. And particularly in aviation. Great opportunities in aviation for youngsters in all aspects not just flying but as far as maintenance and all of that, air traffic control," he says. "We like to be there to show them we did it. Anyone can do it. You can do it."
The 87-year-old is retired from the U.S. Air Force and lives in Florida.
The celebration of the Red Tails continues Saturday starting at 9 a.m. at the Georgetown County Airport, 129 Airport Road. There will a number of activities including model airplane demonstrations, aircraft displays, and a meet and greet with the Tuskegee Airmen.
For more information call (843) 545-3638.
