A milestone for some celebrated veterans at Lincoln Center today.
The Claude B. Govan Tri State Chapter marked the 75th anniversary of The Tuskegee Airmen, who were pilots in a segregated unit during World War II.
The veterans, who were largely ignored for decades following their service, say they are now enjoying a long and overdue moment in the sun.
"I'm just glad that I was still alive — I'm 91 years old and I'm just glad I'm alive to see the Tuskegee Airmen," said Audley Coulthurst, a pilot with the unit.
"What's it like to be recognized great feeling of course - the hands are out for more," said pilot Dabney Montgomery.
"American history would not be the same if not for Tuskegee Airmen and what they did," said Bronx Assemblyman Michael Blake.
The airmen were the first all-black military aviators in the armed forces.
In 2007, President George W. Bush awarded some of the pilots with congressional gold medals.