Mayor Mike Spano today announced The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) RISE ABOVE educational outreach program’s unique tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen and Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) is coming to the Cross County Center from April 23 through April 26 in the parking lot of Showcase Cinema de Lux.
“We’re proud to welcome this powerful, immersive exhibit to Yonkers,” said Mayor Spano. “This is a way to honor the Tuskegee Airmen, including three from Yonkers, while recognizing all of our veterans, past and present. Sharing and preserving their stories for families to discuss and learn together ensures their legacy is never forgotten. Thank you to everyone who helped bring this unique experience to our City.”
The CAF RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit is a fully functional mobile movie theater that features two compelling original short RISE ABOVE films that tell the story of the Tuskegee Airmen and the WASP, and the obstacles they both overcame to be able to serve their country during WWII.
This immersive experience is housed in a climate-controlled 53’ semi-trailer with expandable sides and equipped with a ramp and hydraulic lift to ensure access to all, comfortably accommodating 30 visitors for each showing. Because of its dynamic 160-degree panoramic screen, the film creates the feeling of being in the cockpit soaring above the clouds. Admission to the exhibit is always FREE to event attendees. The City of Yonkers is the exhibit’s 7th stop this year and will depart for South Carolina next.
Director of the City of Yonkers Department of Veterans Affairs William Norman said, “The CAF Rise Above Exhibit displays the Historical exploits of African American pilots who flew dangerous missions during World War II. It also honors several Yonkers native sons, veterans, and Airmen: Lee Archer, George Giddings, Ivan McRae, Jr. These young men are products of the Yonkers Public School System but most importantly, they are sons who decided to serve their country in time of need, like all our veterans, they chose to Rise Above the occasion for God and Country.”
City of Yonkers Historian and President Emeritus of the Yonkers Historical Society Mary Hoar said, “This exhibit will enhance our knowledge of Yonkers history, honoring the lives of our own three Yonkers Tuskegee Airmen: Lee Archer who was one of the most noted Airmen and the group’s only ACE; George Giddings who served as a Bombardier and Navigator and Ivan McRae, Jr., who was part of the Freeman Field non-violent action leading to the desegregation of the American Armed Forces and credited by many with originating non-violent political action.”
“Cross County Center is honored to host the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit with the City of Yonkers,” said Kayli Tarcy, Director of Marketing at Cross County Center. “This inspiring experience reflects our commitment to bringing the community together through events that educate, engage, and celebrate our shared history.”
“We offer a truly one-of-a-kind adventure that resonates with all ages,” said CAF Red Tail Squadron Leader and pilot Doug Rozendaal. “It is much more than a history lesson. The Tuskegee Airmen and Women Airforce Service Pilots’ ability to Triumph Over Adversity inspires others to RISE ABOVE obstacles in their own lives and achieve their goals.”
During the original movie RISE ABOVE, audience members are transported into the world of black airmen during World War II to learn about the obstacles faced by America’s first black military pilots and their support personnel, known today as the Tuskegee Airmen, as they worked toward their goal of becoming U.S. Army Air Corps pilots in the early 1940s.
At the conclusion of the film, audiences experience the excitement and thrill of flying the world’s greatest fighter aircraft, the P-51 Mustang. Filmed with a 180-degree lens along with the state-of-the-art theater design, the movie experience gives attendees the feeling they are actually flying. The history of the nearly 1,000 pilots who were Tuskegee Airmen during World War II is a compelling story of sacrifice, courage, determination, excellence, and patriotism.
The WASP movie tells a similar story about the brave women who endeavored to fly World War II aircraft and become heroes in their own right at a time when their country discouraged their involvement.
The RISE ABOVE exhibit will be open beginning Thursday, April 23, through Sunday, April 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Educational groups and Veterans groups are encouraged to visit the free event.
In 2024, the City of Yonkers was officially designated as an American World War II Heritage City by the National Park Service’s American World War II Heritage Cities program. The prestigious designation recognizes Yonkers’ significant contributions to the war effort during World War II and its commitment to preserving the history of this pivotal period in American history. The City of Yonkers is the only city in New York State to be given the designation.