The Handsome Men of the Tuskegee Airmen!!! ❤️??✈️??✈️??✈️??✈️??✈️??✈️??✈️ ✈️ #ThankYou #Salute @ABCNetwork pic.twitter.com/7waqkvwWnm
— Jazzi Black (@ohshemakevideos) January 13, 2017
ABC’s star-studded “Taking the Stage: African American Music and Stories That Changed America” included an array of appearances from various icons who celebrated Black achievements and contributions. But, it was a tribute to the surviving members of the Tuskegee Airmen that stopped the show and brought both live attendees and viewers at home to tears.
The special, which was taped Sept. 23 and aired Thursday, Jan. 12, took place at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. It coincided with the grand opening of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Although the likes of Stevie Wonder, Mary J. Blige, John Legend, Gladys Knight and Jesse Williams were included in the lineup, it was the seven Air Force honorees who welled up the audience’s eyes.
When actor Tom Hanks introduced the airmen as a military choir sang “America the Beautiful,” a packed house rose to its feet. After President Barack Obama gave a salute from the balcony, former Secretary of State Gen. Colin Powell graced the stage to shake the veterans’ hands.
On Twitter, many were as emotional as those on TV.
André Daughtry was sobbing.
Looking at 7 surviving members of The Tuskegee Airmen on stage being honored #TakingTheStage pic.twitter.com/Je4kSU0YsH
— Enter the DEI (36 Chambers of Woke) (@Tripping_Crutch) January 13, 2017
@ADenefieldJones said she couldn’t keep her eyes dry.
@msniss313 Literally cannot stop crying. Such a beautiful moment. #Tuskegeeairmen
— A. Denefield Jones (@ADenefieldJones) January 13, 2017
Boogie immediately adopted the airmen into her family.
https://twitter.com/LikeAFineWino/status/819740000183078913
Kellie Dupree shed some unexpected tears.
Wow, didn't expect to cry when the Tuskegee airman came out. #TakingTheStage
— Kellie (@kelliedupes) January 13, 2017
Sherrae Lachhu stated she couldn’t be average because of the tribute.
https://twitter.com/sherraelachhu/status/819743127430922240
Makho Ndlovu also remarked on the feelings of the night.
Not a dry eye in the house 😢 Colin Powell & POTUS saluting the surviving Tuskegee Airmen. #TakingTheStage pic.twitter.com/uvtiKYqObM
— Makho Ndlovu (@makhondlovu) January 13, 2017
Nwanyi Oma was inspired by the airmen.
7 surviving members of THE Tuskegee Airman. Serious chills. Nobody can tell me you CAN'T achieve your goals bc you're black #TakingTheStage
— Ya Ya Kuntrē 🤎 (@belle_reveur) January 13, 2017
Alabama native Vic Walker gave the vets his admiration.
https://twitter.com/victorjwalker/status/819739268163764225
Rudolph Braxton said the airmen filled him with pride.
Seeing the Tuskegee Airmen makes you proud to be an African American! God bless you gentlemen and thank you #TakingTheStage
— The Rev. Deacon Rudy Bif Bravo Braxton (@bifbravo00) January 13, 2017
