Explanation
Title
To honor and recognize Major Herndon M. Cummings for his outstanding contributions to our great community
Body
WHEREAS, this Council joins the Hilltop Business Association and Hilltop Reunion Committee in honoring and recognizing Major Herndon M. Cummings for his significant contributions to our great community; and,
WHEREAS, Major Cummings was born in 1919 in rural Lawrence County, Georgia. His grandfather was a slave who was taught to read by his owner. In 1942, he was drafted into the army for service in World War II. He was accepted into the Army Air Corps (now known as the Tuskegee Airmen) where he became a pilot and commander of a six-person B-25 airplane crew; and,
WHEREAS, he spent time at Lockbourne Air Force Base and opted to remain in Columbus upon finishing active duty in 1946. He continued his military career as a reservist for 20 years. He attended Ohio State University and with his brother became an independent masonry contractor; and,
WHEREAS, he is the father of two daughters, Navita who earned a doctorate at Ohio State and is a professor at the Univiersty of South Florida; and Cynthia, a graduate of Princeton and who earned her law degree at Ohio State. He is also the proud grandfather of two beautiful granddaughters; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: that this council does hereby honor and recognize Major Herndon M. Cummings for his significant contributions to our great community for many years.