Montgomery County has a new historical landmark with the unveiling of a memorial honoring Brigadier General Charles E. McGee, a World War II veteran and member of the Tuskegee Airmen. The memorial stands at the Silver Spring library, which was recently renamed in his honor. The event took place just days before what would have been McGee's 104th birthday, according to a release from Montgomery County. County Executive Marc Elrich and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen were present to celebrate McGee's legacy.
The dedication ceremony at the library on Wayne Avenue was attended by over 50 people, including representatives from the Tuskegee Airmen and Boy Scouts of America. The Young Marines served as color guards. The event not only unveiled a stone and metal memorial but also reaffirmed the legacy of McGee, who flew 409 combat missions and earned numerous awards, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. Senator Van Hollen honored McGee’s heroism by authorizing his honorary promotion to Brigadier General.
J. Bruce Huffman, chairman emeritus of the DFCS, thanked Montgomery County for its support, saying, "This dignified event is in keeping with our mission to 'honor, preserve, and teach' the legacy of our members who are recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross," as stated in the Montgomery County press release. County Council President Kate Stewart expressed pride in having the library named after McGee, noting the significance of the memorial.
In addition to his military service, McGee was a civic leader, advocating for the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. "The Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Memorial is about more than honoring a hero—it is about sharing a story of resilience, bravery and service with our community," said County Council Vice President Will Jawando. The library, now housing the memorial, stands as a pillar of knowledge and lifelong learning in Montgomery County. It can be visited at 900 Wayne Ave. in Silver Spring. District 5 County Councilmember Kristin Mink echoed this sentiment, saying, "In Montgomery County, we honor General McGee every day by joining in the important work of teaching the complex and sometimes uncomfortable history of our County and country and by supporting our public libraries in their vision of supporting lifelong learning for all of our residents of every background and origin," according to the press release.
