A community and a country paid its final respects Saturday, Nov. 26, to a true American hero.
Funeral services were held in St. Petersburg for Willie Rogers. At age 101, he was the oldest living member of the original Tuskegee Airmen.
- Oldest living member of original Tuskegee Airmen dies at 101
- Funeral services held in St. Petersburg to honor Willie Rogers
- Rogers legacy was his service to mankind
It was a solemn celebration of a humble man of greatness. That's how Willie Rogers was described by St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman.
"His own family didn't know he was one of the famed Tuskegee Airmen until 2012. And despite his efforts, he could not escape his accomplishments," Kriseman said.
Rogers accomplishments counted him among the elite squadron of African-American fighters, who proved their worth and eventually earned the respect they were not given.
However, it wasn't as much his service to his country, as it was his service to mankind that brought hundreds out to honor him.
Charlie Crist said, "His kindness was apparent. His leadership taught us everything we needed to know. Listening to him, was like listening to God, because he is a man of God."
Its his 100 years of life that his family members now carry as a legacy. A legacy they have been savoring for decades.
Rogers niece, Darlene Glover said, "When my uncle talked, I listened. Because I knew he was a man with a wealth of knowledge."
It's that knowledge that all who knew him want to not only cherish, but pass on.
Kriseman said, "Willie Rogers reminds us that heroes are much more than just their valiant efforts in war or on the field of play - they can be heroes because of how they lived their lives."
It's estimated that less than 200 members of the Tuskegee Airmen are still alive, but records on exactly how many members there were are fragmented -- and many have died with no one ever knowing their remarkable service to the country.