An Act establishing the fourth Thursday in March as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Barrett and 3 co-sponsors

Establishes an annual proclamation designating the fourth Thursday in March as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day to honor their WWII service.

House concurred

Overview

Bill Number: SD 1637

Title: An Act establishing the fourth Thursday in March as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day

Status: House concurred; referred to the committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight

Introduced: February 27, 2025

Sponsor/Petitioners: Led by Senator Cindy F. Friedman with several House sponsors

Purpose: Create an annual, statewide commemorative observance recognizing the service and sacrifice of Tuskegee Airmen and related personnel during World War II.

What the bill would do

Codify a new commemorative requirement in Chapter 6 of the General Laws.

Add a new section (Section 15AAAAAAA) directing the Governor to issue an annual proclamation.

The proclamation would designate the fourth Thursday in March as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day.

The day would recognize the contributions of Black pilots, bombardiers, navigators, flight surgeons, nurses, mechanics, instructors, crewmembers, and all support personnel who contributed to World War II.

The proclamation would recommend that the day be observed in an appropriate manner by the people of the Commonwealth.

Key provisions and language

Insertion point: After section 15ZZZZZZ, within Chapter 6 of the General Laws.

Proclamation duty: “The governor shall annually issue a proclamation setting apart the fourth Thursday in March as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day.”

Purpose of observance: Recognition of service and sacrifice and encouragement for the public to observe the day appropriately.

Scope of recognition: Includes Black Tuskegee Airmen and all related support personnel who “changed the course of history.”

Who is affected

Governor and the Executive Branch: Responsible for issuing the annual proclamation.

General public and Commonwealth residents: Encouraged to observe the commemorative day.

Education, cultural, and veteran/community organizations: Potential participants in observances, ceremonies, and educational activities.

No new mandated holidays or funding requirements are specified; the bill focuses on formal recognition through proclamation.

Procedural and timeline notes

Legislative path: Introduced in the Senate as SD 1637; House concurred on February 27, 2025, and the bill was referred to the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Effective date: Not explicitly stated in the text provided; the annual proclamation would occur each year, beginning with the first fourth Thursday in March following enactment.

Observance cadence: Annual, tied to the fourth Thursday in March each year.

Potential impact and considerations

Symbolic/educational impact: Elevates recognition of Tuskegee Airmen and related personnel within Massachusetts, promoting awareness of a pivotal chapter in U.S. WWII history.

Civic practice: Encourages public observance and may inspire ceremonies, educational programs, or community events.

Fiscal impact: Not specified; proclamations are typically administrative—no explicit funding requirements outlined in the bill.

Public engagement: Could foster partnerships with veterans’ organizations, schools, museums, and historical societies.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to similar commemorative days in Massachusetts or outline potential implementation steps for local governments and schools.

Bill