The state Senate honored Friday three members of the Tuskegee Airmen, the celebrated group of African-American combat pilots who fought in World War II.

Romaine Goldsborough, Philip Baham and Alexander Jefferson each received a Certificate of Recognition during the Senate’s floor session.

Goldsborough and Baham are both Hawaii residents, while Jefferson is from Michigan.

Sen. Will Espero said the certificates are intended to show appreciation for the veterans’ service.

“It was such an honor to meet these veterans who faced so much adversity yet still had the strength to fight in the war. It was important to acknowledge and share their story and the contributions they made to our American history,” Espero (D, Ewa Beach-Iroquois Point), chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs, said in a news release.

The Tuskegee Airmen are members of the 332nd Fighter Group and 477th Bombardment Group who helped pave the way for desegregation in the U.S. military. The group has received eight Purple Hearts, three Distinguished Unit Citations and 14 Bronze Stars.