Today, Col. Brian Moore, Robins Installation and 78th Air Base Wing commander, and the Georgia World War I Centennial Commission, hosted the Eugene J. Bullard Statue Dedication Ceremony at the Museum of Aviation Robins AFB, Warner Robins, GA. Bullard was the world’s first African American fighter pilot and served with the French Air Service during World War I.
Members of Bullard’s family were in attendance for the unveiling, along with local and regional military and community leaders. Also joining the ceremony were Col. Dawson Plummer, 194th Brigade commander, Vincent Hommeril, Consul General of France, and French Air Force Lt. Col. Frederic Dalorso, representing NATO Allied Command Transformation.
Transcript
[Paul] A ceremony honoring Second Lieutenant Eugene Bullard was held at the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins, Georgia. Lieutenant Bullard was born in Columbus, Georgia in 1895, and was the first of two African-American military aviators flying under the French flag in World War I. Several descendants of Bullard were present for the event and had this to say.
I’m just full of elation, and happiness, and love for Eugene, and just wanting to literally scream it happened, they know you.
[Paul] Anything you’d like to add?
Well I’m happy for all of the young people, in this country, that can hear his story. All children can be inspired by his story. We all can learn from his story. For our family, he’s been an inspiration. He’s been a role model. We didn’t have to look far for a role model, we had one, and we thank God for that. But I’m just so happy that people will be able to know him. To know his name, to know his accomplishments.
[Paul] For Robins Air Force Base I’m Paul Winslet.