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I post this sad news in the events section because all those who powwow in Maryland, Va, and the Carolinas know Blue Eagle. He was a former Tuskegee airman and premier vender on this circuit. Blue Eagle joined the ancestors this morning. Final arrangements are pending. His passing will leave a large empty spot in many, many hearts…… but we know he now flies again and his spirit will be with us forever. Aho
Sending up prayers for Blue Eagle’s family…Joyce, his loving wife….and also his large pow wow family….and remembering that twinkling eye and broad smile as he told his stories…as he approached the punchline and got all of us. The treasures purchased from him over the years will have a special meaning…as we remember a great warrior, veteran, and all around good man. May you rest in peace now…and remain in our hearts forever.
Aho
Becky
As the lonely eagle flies into the winds
On majestic… soaring…gliding wings
A single scream comes from the sky
Come fly with me… come here and fly is the eagle’s cry
My heart yearns to be a part
As I feel the beating of his heart
Oh for my soul to be one with this bird flying so carefree
Flying so perfectly in the sky for all to see
His wings in the wind as it caresses his soul
And soars across the streams without a goal
My being trembles with delight of such a sight
A treasure I received from God tonight
A gift like no other watching him soaring so high
Inviting me to join him and fly fly fly.
Borrowed from:
http://www.tuskegeeairmen.org/Lonely_Eagles.html
Was Blue Eagle at the Monacan in May?I remember writing about the MC mentioning a Tuskegee Airman.(see “Monacan Powwow” thread)
Anyway,I’ll say a prayer for him.
Roca
I am not sure since we didn’t attend that one…he was also a vendor..they drive a large motor home. His wife, Joyce, usually attends the booth. They sell jewelry, dolls, hats, wedding vases, and many other items. He always carried a large walking stick with an eagle on it most of the time.
Thanks for your prayers….
Yes, he was the Tuskegee airman on the circuit. I was just thinking about him watching Ken Burns “War,” thinking how the surviving vets must feel seeing it, wishing my uncles could have, especially the one who died in the air over there at 22, as well as the one who survived it all the way from North Africa to Germany, on foot. It was an incredible story with the Tuskegee airmen. Their participation was delayed so long because of the racism, when they finally got over there, they were the most highly trained, not rushed through training like the rest of them, and obviously with a great deal to prove. The racist boys who objected to them soon got over it and were quickly requesting them for missions, as fighter plane support. Their lives depended on it.
Blue Eagle was a fine gentleman, what a loss.
I never got to know BLUE EAGLE , any time some one crosses over it is sad but also should be a joyous occasion . I know he is soaring with the eagles and walking with our Ancestors as we think on the good things about Blue Eagle . My Prayers go up for his family and all the friends he left behind . One day we will be able to see BLUE EAGLE and his big smile . So let’s all of us take a few moment’s of silence in his memory .
Aho
Rick
Because Blue Eagle’s passing was not expected by his family, right now the arrangements are incomplete. The whole family needs our prayers and strength, especially Joyce.
Fred O. Wilson, age 85, of Salisbury, NC, passed away on Monday, October 1st, 2007 at Northeast Medical Center in Concord, NC. Born June 18th, 1922, Major Wilson was a decorated pilot and one of the last remaining Tuskegee Airmen of WWII. He was one of only four Native American pilots to fly with the Tuskegee Airmen, a predominately black fighter squadron which are remembered as never losing a bomber to enemy fire. Their record included more than 15,000 combat sorties. They destroyed 111 German airplanes in the air and 150 on the ground. They also hit 950 rail cars, trucks and other vehicles, and one Tuskegee “Redtail” sunk a destroyer. An estimated 120 Airmen remain out of the 992 men who graduated from pilot training at the Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama. About 50 of the airmen died last year alone. In March of 2007 the Tuskegee Airmen received a long overdue Congressional Medal of Honor which was presented in Washington DC by President George W. Bush. It was Mr. Wilson’s desire to keep the memory and history of the Tuskegee Airmen alive. He enjoyed nothing more than passing the history of the Airmen on to the children of the next generation.
Mr. Wilson was also very proud of his Native Indian Heritage as part of the Canadian Mohawk Nation and was known as “Blue Eagle” by his Indian friends.
Mr. Wilson is survived by his wife of 42 years, Joyce, son Frederick and wife Lisa B., Son Dana R. and Wife Lisa A., grandchildren Kristen, Hunter, and Karie.
A Military Memorial and Salute in honor of Major Fred O. Wilson will be held at the American Legion Post 290 Grounds at Noon on Saturday October 6th, 2007 in King, NC. Guests are asked to arrive by 11:45am.
America Legion Post 290
446 S. Main St.
King, NC 27021
The family requests that in lieu of flowers that donations are made in honor of Major Wilson, and the Tuskegee Airmen, to the Tuskegee Scholarship fund:
TAI Scholarship Fund
Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.
P.O. Box 9166 Arlington, VA 22219-1166
Thanks, Becky.
I also found this from the Salisbury Post:
Online condolences may be sent to http://www.summersettfuneralhome.com. All other condolences may be sent to 1160 Walton Place, Salisbury, NC 28146.
Published in the Salisbury Post on 10/5/2007.
Thanks, Bee…I was thinking it would be posted today.
There is a guestbook on the Salisbury Post that can be signed and a message left for the family. Just click on sign guest book for Fred Wilson.
It was a very nice service conducted at the American Legion Post at King, NC. We enjoyed hearing anecdotes and stories about Blue Eagle from many different aspects of his life. And Robert Roach sung a special song for Blue Eagle, followed by the gun salute and presentation of the flag.
The American Legion folks served refreshments and allowed time for the family to recover from the emotional day. We then all assembled over at the park in King where a memorial stone has been placed in Blue Eagle’s honor at the fountain. There are many other stones there as well. It is a great tribute to all those who served, if you are ever in King, it would be a good thing to see. Blue Eagle’s NA family finished the day with prayers and gifts at the stone….Rest in Peace, my friend, Blue Eagle….you will be missed and never forgotten.
Aho
Joyce, we hold you in our prayers and hope that Creator will give you strength to get through these dark days and find your way back to the pow wow circuit and your NA family.
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