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Traveling exhibit stops in KC to honor Tuskegee Airmen

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City-area Honeywell employees got the chance Tuesday to learn about some of the unsung heroes of World War II: The Tuskegee Airmen.

They were the first all African American military pilots, that flew more than a thousand missions overseas.

A mobile movie trailer now traveling around the United States hopes to inspire Americans, including those at Honeywell.

"We have a growing mission here. We really need everyone to work together as a team to get the job done," Shaunda Parks, Honeywell's director of communications, said. "I think this is a great in the spirit of overcoming diversity and determination."

One of the pilots flew into town to meet the people of Kansas City.

"Up until 1995, no one had ever heard of the Tuskegee Airmen. It was the best kept secret in the world," Tuskegee Airmen, Harold H. Brown, said.

Brown also travels around the nation telling his story, as there are not many pilots like himself left.

"Out of the 355, there are about 12 of us left," Brown said.

The 94-year-old former pilot said he is honored that people are wanting to learn about his experience.

"This is all part of the legacy of the Tuskegee airmen. We do have quite a legacy. You look at the story of the Tuskegee airmen. Here you got a group of guys who want to fight the war they want to," he said.

The national exhibit will open to the public on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Kansas City's 18th and Vine District.