Lynn M Homan

Pan-am

In 1941, Tuskegee, Alabama, was selected as the site of an important new development in military training. For the first time, black Americans were to be allowed to serve their country as members of the United States Army Air Corps. During its five-year history, Tuskegee Army Air Field was home to almost 1,000 African-American pilots. More than 10,000 black men and women served as their vital support personnel. Together, they filled the ranks of the 99th FighterSquadron, the 332nd Fighter Group, and the 477thBombardment Group. Their remarkable achievements at home and overseas destroyed stereotypes and helped to bring about the eventual integration of the United States military. Under the harsh restrictions of segregation, the African-Americans both trained and served together, and in this forced isolation, developed unbreakable bonds .

A trip along that magical ribbon of road from the Florida mainland to the Southernmost City of Key West makes for an unforgettable journey. Dive the coral reefs at Key Largo's John Pennecamp State Park. Check out the dolphin show at Islamorada. Pack the fishing gear and head out to sea from Marathon. At Pigeon Key, relive the experiences of the workers who built Flagler's Folly, the Overseas Railroad. Climb a historic lighthouse in Key West. Stay at a fancy resort or a mom-andpop motel. Dine on fresh seafood or just-caught Florida lobster. Awaken to a glorious sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean and end the day with a spectacular sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.

Florida's contribution to aviation history cannot be underestimated. Wings over Florida chronicles the story of flying in the "Sunshine State," from the early pioneers in gliders and balloons, to the recent developments in the space program. The story of Florida in flight is even older than its statehood, with Colonel John Sherburne planning to use balloons as early as 1840 in the Second Seminole War. Not only was the first scheduled passenger airline (the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line) begun in Florida, but it is also home to the world's oldest international airline. Many heroes and heroines of the air came from Florida. Even those who were not Floridians by birth spent time flying in the ideal conditions that Florida provided. Pioneers, such as Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, Peter Sones, and Jacqueline Cochran, all took to the air over Florida.