National Airborne Day by Senate Resolution 235 of the 111th Congress
National Airborne Day is observed August 16th each year to commemorate the nation’s airborne divisions of the Armed Forces. Airborne forces of the Armed Forces have a longstanding and honorable history that dates back to 1940, as units of hardy and fierce warriors who defend the national security of the United States and our allies. These adventurous units project effective ground combat power to the battlefield afar and to the corners of the world for our peace and freedom. The Department of War first authorized the Army Parachute Test Platoon to start this innovative training in June of 1940. With two officers and 48 enlisted volunteers from the 29th Infantry Regiment in July 1940, training began in Fort. Benning, Georgia to become Airborne Infantrymen with the goal of inserting ground combat forces behind a battle line.
Just two short months later on August 16, 1940, the brave volunteers proved their test jump to be successful; jumping from a Douglas B-18 over Lawson Army Airfield and birthing the Airborne forces including the 11th, 13th, 17th, as well as the famous 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions. Shortly after the test jump the United States Airborne forces entered into World War II, and since have fought in Korea, Vietnam, Panama, the Persian Gulf region, and Somalia as well as other peacekeeping operations. Modern airborne forces include elite forces composed entirely of airborne trained and special operations warriors, including Army Special Forces, Navy SEALs, Marine Corps Reconnaissance units, and Air Force combat control teams, each of which is part of the United Stated Special Operations Command.
My grandfather was a paratrooper who valiantly and fiercely served this great nation. He was proud of the life he was able to achieve earning the right to wear the “Silver Wings of Courage.” After talking to him only once about his experience, he told me that he never thought that he would have the life he has now when he was only 18 years young, weighing 120 pounds (at the time), and jumping out of an airplane. He retired as an E9 Sergeant Major in the United States Army Special Forces after serving for 30 years. He has since passed away but his “wings” still carry him high in the heavens above and he will always be remembered by many.
Members and former members just like my grandfather of the United States airborne forces are all members of a proud and honorable fraternity of combat parachutist. These units have served with distinction and success in armed hostilities and protected our freedom on the furthermost corners of the world. It is safe to safe that the airborne units represent some of the most adventurous and effectively trained air-assault units in all of the Armed Forces. Be sure to thank a paratrooper on National Airborne Day! In ending, a powerful excerpt from Senate Resolution 235 reads below:
"Whereas, since the airborne community celebrates August 16 as the anniversary of the first official jump by the Army Parachute Test Platoon, August 16 would be an appropriate day to recognize as National Airborne Day: Now, therefore, be it."
