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SRES 301 IS
106th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. RES. 301

Designating August 16, 2000, as ‘National Airborne Day’.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
May 1, 2000

Mr. THURMOND submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary


RESOLUTION

Designating August 16, 2000, as ‘National Airborne Day’.

Whereas the Parachute Test Platoon was authorized by the War Department on June 25, 1940, to experiment with the potential use of airborne troops;

Whereas the Parachute Test Platoon was composed of 48 volunteers that began training in July, 1940;

Whereas the Parachute Test Platoon performed the first official Army parachute jump on August 16, 1940;

Whereas the success of the Parachute Test Platoon led to the formation of a large and successful airborne contingent serving from World War II until the present;

Whereas the 11th, 13th, 17th, 82nd, and 101st Airborne Divisions and the numerous other regimental and battalion-sized airborne units were organized following the success of the Parachute Test Platoon;

Whereas the 501st Parachute Battalion participated successfully and valiantly in achieving victory in World War II;

Whereas the airborne achievements during World War II provided the basis for continuing the development of a diversified force of parachute and air assault troops;

Whereas paratroopers, glidermen, and air assault troops of the United States were and are proud members of the world’s most exclusive and honorable fraternity, have earned and wear the ‘Silver Wings of Courage’, have participated in a total of 93 combat jumps, and have distinguished themselves in battle by earning 69 Congressional Medals of Honor, the highest military decoration of the United States, and hundreds of Distinguished Service Crosses and Silver Stars;

Whereas these airborne forces have performed in important military and peacekeeping operations, wherever needed, in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Lebanon, Sinai, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Somalia, Haiti, and Bosnia; and

Whereas the Senate joins together with the airborne community to celebrate August 16, 2000 (the 60th anniversary of the first official parachute jump by the Parachute Test Platoon), as ‘National Airborne Day’: Now, therefore, be it

    Resolved, That the Senate--

      (1) designates August 16, 2000, as ‘National Airborne Day’; and

      (2) requests that the President issue a proclamation calling on Federal, State, and local administrators and the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

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