Faith Community United Methodist Church in West Chester will host its third annual “Salute to Veterans” program this Friday at 7 p.m. The event will feature two speakers who will share their stories.
David Sizemore of West Chester will speak on behalf of his father, James, and share his experiences in World War II where he went on 51 bombing missions aboard a B-17 in Europe.
James Shaw of Lebanon will share stories about the Tuskegee Airmen and about his service in Vietnam during Faith Community United Methodist Church in West Chester will host its third annual “Salute to Veterans” program Nov. 9. Photo provided.
James has discussed his time at war with David, telling him what it was like watching his former flight crew get shot down in action, what it was like bombing the enemy and hoping innocent lives were not lost and even what it was like having bullets enter the plane while in combat.
James plans on attending the event, but is battling throat cancer and might be unable to attend.
The other speaker, James Shaw of Lebanon, will talk about the Tuskegee Airmen on how they fought for their country despite racial prejudices.
“They (Tuskegee Airmen) were very important during World War II by escorting a lot of our bomber crews to and from their targets,” Shaw said. “At the same time, they were fighting segregation and racism in the United States. So, they were fighting on two fronts.”
Shaw, who grew up in South Carolina, was angered that it took him years after he first went to war to find out about the Tuskegee Airmen. And, while he is pleased that recent movies have been made about the group, he feels that “it was too late.”
During the event, Shaw, who is president of the Cincinnati’s chapter of the Tuskegee Airman, will also talk about his service in Vietnam War.
Faith Community United Methodist Church is located at 8230 Cox Road.
