America's first Black military airmen, dubbed the 'Tuskegee Airmen,' will be making their final pilgrimage as a group this coming fall season.

On Aug. 16 - 20, the group will host its 34th Annual National Convention at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, FL.

The brave airmen flew planes during World War II, more than 50 years ago. Today there are less than 200 of them remaining, one of the primary reasons that this national convention will be the last of its kind.

Though they will no longer gather as a whole, each local chapter will continue to meet in their respective cities all over the country, with a continued effort to promote youth educational programs, aviation flight programs, youth scholarships and keeping the Tuskegee Airmen legacy alive.

"They will go on with their programs individually," said Purbette Bryant, public relations consultant for the Tuskegee Airmen.

The up-coming convention will feature a number of fun-filled, educational activities for youth interested in aviation.

Historically, it was on July 19, 1941, that the Army Air Force began a program in Alabama to train Black Americans as military pilots. Primary flight training was conducted by the Division of Aeronautics of Tuskegee Institute, the famed school of learning founded by Booker T. Washington in 1881. Once a cadet completed primary training at Tuskegee's Moton Field, he was sent to nearby Tuskegee Army Air Field for completion of flight training and for transition to combat type aircraft. The first classes of Tuskegee Airmen were trained to be fighter pilots for the famous 99th Fighter Squadron, slated for combat duty in North Africa. Additional pilots were assigned to the 332d Fighter Group which flew combat along with the 99th Squadron from bases in Italy.

In Sep. 1943, a twin-engine training program was begun at Tuskegee to provide bomber pilots. However, World War II ended before these men were able to get into combat.

By the end of the war, 992 men had graduated from pilot training at Tuskegee, 450 of whom were sent overseas for combat assignment. During the same period, approximately 150 lost their lives while in training or on combat flights.

In total, the Airmen downed 111 enemy fighters and never lost an escorted bomber to enemy fighters.

In regard to the up-coming convention, the Airmen themselves are looking forward to the activities they have planned for themselves. The members of the Gen. Daniel "Chappie" James Chapter based in Orlando, who won the bid for the convention's venue, are especially excited.

"It's going to be quite exceptional," said Noel Harris, President of the Gen. Daniel "Chappie" James Chapter. " It's really something to be able to look at a fellow you haven't seen and say hey, I've known him since he was 19 or 20 (years-old)."

The theme of the Convention will be 'Tuskegee Airmen: Still Making a Difference.' Attorney Willie Gary will be the keynote speaker.