National Airborne Day, 2002

Proclamation 7582 of August 14, 2002

National Airborne Day, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The history of Airborne forces began after World War I,
when Brigadier General William Mitchell first conceived
the idea of parachuting troops into combat. Eventually,
under the leadership of Major William Lee at Fort
Benning, Georgia, members of the Parachute Test Platoon
pioneered methods of combat jumping in 1940. In
November 1942, members of the 2nd Battalion, 503rd
Parachute Infantry Regiment, conducted America's first
combat jump, leaping from a C-47 aircraft behind enemy
lines in North Africa. This strategy revolutionized
combat and established Airborne forces as a key
component of our military.

During World War II, Airborne tactics were critical to
the success of important missions, including the D-Day
invasion at Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge, the
invasion of Southern France, and many others. In Korea
and Vietnam, Airborne soldiers played a critical combat
role, as well as in later conflicts and peacekeeping
operations, including Panama, Grenada, Desert Storm,
Haiti, Somalia, and the Balkans. Most recently,
Airborne forces were vital to liberating the people of
Afghanistan from the repressive and violent Taliban
regime; and these soldiers continue to serve proudly
around the world in the global coalition against
terrorism.

The elite Airborne ranks include prestigious groups
such as the 82nd Airborne Division, ``America's Guard
of Honor,'' and the ``Screaming Eagles'' of the 101st
Airborne Division (Air Assault). Airborne forces have
also been represented in the former 11th, 13th, and
17th Airborne Divisions and numerous other Airborne,
glider and air assault units and regiments.
Paratroopers in the Army's XVIII Airborne Corps, the
75th Infantry (Ranger) Regiment and other Special
Forces units conduct swift and effective operations in
defense of peace and freedom.

Airborne combat continues to be driven by the bravery
and daring spirit of sky soldiers. Often called into
action with little notice, these forces have earned an
enduring reputation for dedication, excellence, and
honor. As we face the challenges of a new era, I
encourage all people to recognize the contributions of
these courageous soldiers to our Nation and the world.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim August 16, 2002, as National
Airborne Day. As we commemorate the first official Army
parachute jump on August 16, 1940, I encourage all
Americans to join me in honoring the thousands of
soldiers, past and present, who have served in an
Airborne capacity. I call upon all citizens to observe
this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and
activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
fourteenth day of August, in the year of our Lord two
thousand two, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

(Presidential Sig.)B