The ‘Festival of Flight’ exhibition was opened at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, on the 2nd July 2009 with a historic phone connection to the Tuskegee Airmen of America who had gathered together in the main hangar of the original airfield in Tuskegee, Alabama from which they had flown many of their World War II missions, to speak to the Heartstone Festival of Flight Ambassadors who had come from across the UK to be part of the event. This occasion marked the passing on of the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen to these young people and the wish that they would carry on the powerful message of hope as embodied in their story through the ‘Festival of Flight’ exhibition and its linked project reaching children and young people all over the country. The 500+ image exhibition was presented in the most prestigious space at the Museum under Concorde.
Special ‘behind the scenes’ access with the main RAF and Royal Navy air bases across the UK had been provided for Nick Sidle, Heartstone’s photographer, to fly with the key squadrons who were represented in the exhibition including those based at RAF Lossiemouth, Leuchars, Marham, Coltishall, RNAS Yeovilton and other bases. Personnel from the sorties he had flown with were present as speakers in the exhibition alongside the photos giving all visitors a unique insight into the workings of a frontline squadron through the images and the people who fly the aircraft.
To mark the occasion, also present were the Asst. Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Tim O’Anderson, Cdr. Paul Hill – Royal Navy, Det. Supt. Gerry Campbell – Violent Crime and Hate Crime Directorate of the Metropolitan Police and Mr. Tariq Ahmad – Deputy Chair of the Conservative Party. Although unable to attend on the day, Rt. Hon Shahid Malik, Minister for Communities, sent his best wishes and full support towards the project. He said:
‘The Heartstone Festival of Flight project provides a unique opportunity for young people of different backgrounds to participate in something new and innovative which not only builds individual confidence and skills but encourages young people to concentrate on what they have in common rather than their differences…’
Asst. Chief of the Air Staff, AVM Tim O’Anderson said:
“The United Kingdom’s Armed Forces place a high priority on contact with and building understanding and awareness amongst the general public. Through its events and wider programme, ‘Festival of Flight’ has provided a very valuable means by which the Royal Air Force can pursue these aims, offering unique opportunities to ensure that such contact is with all communities in the UK. In addition, the Festival’s wider aims of fostering respect and understanding amongst young people across nationalities, gender and cultures and of motivating them to challenge prejudice and intolerance aligns with many of the Royal Air Force’s own objectives, but particularly with our sincere commitment to equality and diversity. I am absolutely delighted to be involved with the Duxford event and hugely impressed by the quality and sincerity of the engagement by the young people at its heart.”
Det. Supt. Gerry Campbell of the Metropolitan Police said:
‘First of all may I thank the Heartstone Project on behalf of the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service, London for inviting us here today. It is our absolute privilege to be here and to sponsor the Heartstone Project in its endeavours. The Tuskegee Airman through their individual and collective leadership, sense of duty & responsibility and achievement have inspired change since those exceptionally challenging days as aircrew during WWII and thereafter. They inspired change then and they inspire change now. The Airmen are truly inspirational people who motivate others to act —- lead by example with a sense of justice —–to make things happen —- to make a difference. They’ve certainly completed your mission!
Turning to our young people, you are the architects of tomorrow.You must seek to educate others by your words, actions and creativity.You must seek to challenge discrimination, prejudice and injustice in all its forms — where it is safe to do so.
We all bear a specific moral responsibility to fight evil with good and to uphold the law and protect the fundamental human rights and freedoms of our fellow human beings irrespective of their gender, race, nationality, age, sexual orientation and religion.
Finally a sincere and heartfelt thank you to the Tuskegee airmen and their families and to the Heartstone Project for their bravery, leadership, dedication & inspirational work.’
Cllr. Tariq Ahmad, Deputy Chair, Conservative Party said:
The Tuskegee Airmen served the US Air Force with distinction during the Second World War. Theirs indeed is a most noble example, on how they used their passion and service for their country coupled with their flying skills, to combat the enemy forces in the air and the prejudices of class creed and racial discrimination at home.
For me ‘Festival of Flight’ shows at its core an inherent beauty, a project that can help us overcome barriers sometimes real and other times perceived, to achieve our goals. I am reminded of one of my all time favourite war films “Reach for the Skies” which was focused on the life of the great airman of our very own RAF, Douglas Bader; who overcame his own great hurdles and physical impairments to serve the country he loved. His humour, perseverance and absolute dedication to overcome every hurdle and obstacle in life much akin to the Tuskegee Airmen, provide us with the inspirational examples for us all to realise that we too can reach for the skies.
“To accomplish great things we must not only act but also dream, not only plan but also achieve”
Below are a few of the most memorable photos from the launch day, including the 4 young women from Newcastle University who helped to host the event and had trained as Festival of Flight Ambassadors..
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