“Aztec Eagles” L.A. Ground Breaking
May 17th, 2012
The Committee for the 201st Fighter Squadron Monument Project and El Mercado De Los Angeles will be announcing the construction and unveiling of their monument depicting the history of Mexico’s Escuadron 201. To that end the 201st Fighter Squadron Monument Committee will be performing a ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the Escuadron 201 Monument.
The ceremony will take place at the El Mercado De Los Angeles on Friday June 1, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at El Mercado De Los Angeles 3455 E 1st Street Los Angeles. Invited dignitaries will be Mexican Consul General David Figueroa Ortega, Los Angeles City Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, City Councilman Jose Huizar, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, Congresswoman Grace Napolitano and Supervisor Gloria Molina.
The monument will depict the history of the 30 Mexican fighter pilots who arrived in Loredo, Texas on July 25, 1944 from Mexico to train and fly American P-47s and joined their American counter parts fighting the Japanese in World War II. Their aircrafts were the only planes to have the colors of both nations, Mexico’s and the United States.
Known as the “Aztec Eagles”, El Escuadrón 201 was a Mexican fighter squadron, part of the Fuerza Aérea Expedicionaria Mexicana (FAEM – “Mexican Expeditionary Air Force”) that aided the Allied war effort during World War II. Escuadrón Aéreo de Pelea 201 (201st Air Fighter Squadron) was composed of more than 300 volunteers; 30 were experienced pilots and the rest were ground crewmen. The ground crewmen were electricians, mechanics, and radiomen. Its formation was prompted by the attack by German submarines against Mexican oil tankers Potrero del Llano and Faja de Oro, which were transporting crude oil to the United States. These attacks prompted President Manuel Avila Camacho to declare war on the Axis powers.
“These courageous pilots are rarely mentioned or acknowledged in war movies, documentaries and in history books. We are proud of all of our veterans, especially proud of the contributions of this small and significant squadron of daring and gallant Mexican airmen. This monument will bring to light their willingness to participate in the war to help make a difference.” said Alfred Lugo the founder of the monument.
For Sponsorship Opportunities contact:
Alfred.lugo@verizon.net
Coming Soon
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