Veterans Honored at University of Miami

UM joined the rest of the country in honoring veterans

On Friday, the University of Miami joined the rest of the country honoring the men and women who have fought to defend it.

A South Florida veteran shared his story with the young men and women of The Air Force ROTC cadets, who will soon defend the red, white and blue.

“The important thing that they have to remember is that these liberties are not free and we have to pay for them,” said Lt. Col. Leo Gray.

Gray is one of the 43 Tuskegee Airmen who flew combat missions over Italy and Germany during World War II that is still alive.  The all minority squadron played a pivotal role in the integration of minorities not just in the military, but in society.

“It reminds us of another time when African Americans served with such distinction under very discriminatory circumstances,” said Donna Shalala, President of the University of Miami.

Members of the Air Force ROTC cadets expressed their gratitude for Gray’s service and commitment to the United States.
 
“He’s been through so much,” said Vince Pellegri, USAF ROTC Cadet.  “It was really cool having him talk to us.

“It was an amazing experience,” said Dara Collins, USAF ROTC Cadet.  “It’s inspiring to see someone who paved the way for people who are like me and minorities in the military to see them go on and advance.”

Gray not only served his country by flying combat missions, but changed the way America views minorities.

“No way in my wildest imagination could I have dreamt that anything would be like this and we would enjoy the prestige that theTuskegee Airmen enjoy today,” said Gray.

Admiral William Baumgartner of the U.S. Coast Guard expressed how he was humbled just to be on the same earth as a man like Gray.

For more information on the Tuskegee Airmen and aviation history.


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