Historic Images, Including Those of the First Black Military Pilots, Marked for Removal
The Pentagon has flagged tens of thousands of photos and online posts for deletion, many of which highlight diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Among the targeted images are those of the Tuskegee Airmen, the pioneering group of Black military pilots who served in World War II.
According to a database obtained by the Associated Press, the flagged content includes depictions of women and minority service members, raising concerns about erasing significant moments in military history.
Minnesota native among those impacted
One of those airmen was Dr. Harold Brown, a Minnesota native and a distinguished pilot who flew bomber escort missions during the war. In a 2017 interview with KARE 11, Brown, who passed away in 2023, spoke candidly about his decision to serve despite facing racial discrimination.
“This is my country, too,” Brown said, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to the United States.
His widow, Marsha Bordner, expressed disappointment over the decision to remove such historical records.
“If Harold were here today, we would both say that people of all backgrounds who work hard and serve their country deserve to be recognized, not erased,” Bordner said. “Let’s celebrate them, not diminish their contributions.”
A broader debate over DEI in the military
The move aligns with recent statements by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has criticized DEI initiatives, arguing that they create division rather than unity within the military.
“Why remove DEI?” Hegseth asked service members during a town hall last month. “Because, from our perspective, it has divided the force instead of bringing it together.”
For Bordner, the decision feels like a disservice to those who sacrificed for their nation.
“It dishonors those who served, many of whom gave their lives,” she said.
Preserving the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen
Determined to preserve her husband’s legacy, Bordner and Brown co-authored Keep Your Airspeed Up: The Story of a Tuskegee Airman, ensuring that future generations could learn about the contributions of the Airmen.
“Harold was proud of their achievements, and rightfully so,” Bordner said. “I just hope for better for our country.”
Shalom admiration appreciation we must keep fighting grappling with this diabolical and barbarism we must grapple with every day in this country
I am unable to donate at this time,but my heart breaks when I read these stories. There is so much ignorance in our world and government, this makes no since it is sheer racism.
What is now happening, regarding removal of Bkack people historic contributions to our United Sates, is akin to Hitler order to Burn Bibles. WHAT WAS DONE, IN PAST TIMES, HAVE NO REFLECTION That it happened because or under the Concept OF DEI. EXECUTIVE ORDERS HAVE NO BUSINESS SUPPRESSING ORWHY NOT THE MANDATING REMOVAL OF HISTORY, REGARDLESS OF WHO WERE THE LEADERS BROWN, BLACK, OR LIGHT COMPLEXION SKIN. IF EXECUTIVE ORDERS ARE ALLOWED TO ATTACK
ALL THAT IS OF BLACK OR BROWN. WHY NOT THE WHITE GENERALS OF THE CIVIL WAR & PRO SLAVE WHITE LEADERS.
It is a disservice for these women and men who sacrificed so much serving this country, THEIR country! Shame on these people making these decisions!