Church to welcome Tuskeegee Airmen at Sunday service
Parkerford Baptist Church is looking to remind its community about the importance of Memorial Day.
That’s why on Sunday, May 26, the church will welcome three men from the Philadelphia chapter of Tuskegee Airmen to have discussions with the congregation.
“Our intention was to bring Memorial Day back into focus for what the holiday was originally meant to be — to honor those fallen in the line of duty to protect our freedom. I thought by bringing in veterans to talk about their personal struggles, cultural struggles and what they went through as veterans, we could do that,”
said Pastor Bob Davalt.
Parkerford Baptist Church will be welcoming two original Tuskegee Airmen, Dr. Eugene Richardson, an experiment pilot and Nathan Thomas, a logistics officer. They will also welcome Tuskegee University graduate and Vietnam pilot Aaron Watkins.
The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African-American military aviators in the
United States Armed Forces.
The group included pilots, technicians, medical personnel, mechanics, navigators, bombardiers and more.
According to Tuskegee Airmen Inc., “before 1940, African Americans were barred from flying for the U.S. military. Civil rights organizations and the black press exerted pressure that resulted in the formation of an all African American pursuit squadron based in Tuskegee, Alabama, in 1941, who became known as the Tuskegee Airmen.”
The group overcame prejudice and segregation to lead the United States into full
integration of the U.S. military.
On Sunday, Parkerford Baptist Church will introduce these men to all those interested in attending. A patriotic themed service will begin at 10:30 a.m.
Rather than a sermon, Davalt said there will be a town hall interview-style format getting to know the three men and how their faith got them through a time of war.
“I believe we as a country have lost focus on what Memorial Day is supposed to be. Everyone thinks it’s about barbecues and beaches,” said Davalt. “I’m an ex-navy brat. I’ve got a congregation full of veterans. We have so many
that have given their lives in order for us to have freedom. I wanted to honor those men and women and couldn’t think of a better way to do it than bringing those veterans who survived and have them share their stories.”
The service will be followed by a luncheon that can accommodate 75-100 people. The luncheon is first come, first served.
Parkerford Baptist Church, at 92 Baptist Church Rd., Spring City, was founded in 1858 by a small group of Baptists who worshiped together in a small country school house. Since its humble beginnings, the church has continued to thrive through changing times.