To celebrate the courage, dedication, sacrifice and compassion of the “ordinary heroes” of World War II, March 17 in Clermont was declared “Tuskegee Airman Recognition Day” and Clermont City Council honored Clermont resident Daniel Keel at a recent council meeting.

Tuskegee Airman Lt. Daniel Keel, who will turn 100 later this year, served from 1943 to 1946. He was trained and served as a pilot, navigator and bombardier and as such, was one of only five Tuskegee Airmen to receive a triple airman rating. He has lived in Clermont for more than 20 years.

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African-American military aviators in the United States military. They overcame segregation and prejudice to become one of the most respected fighter groups of military history and are credited with paving the way to end segregation in the United States Military.

“It is my honor to recognize one of Clermont’s own as a member of such a historical group of military pilots,” says Mayor Tim Murry. “On behalf of the City of Clermont, thank you, Airman Keel for your service.”