[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 73 (Monday, June 2, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S5193]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        SENATE RESOLUTION 95--TO DESIGNATE NATIONAL AIRBORNE DAY

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

                               S. Res. 95

       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 who 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 82d Airborne Division was the first Airborne 
     Division that was organized following the successes of the 
     Parachute Test Platoon and the early airborne training 
     program and has continued in active service since its 
     creation;
       Whereas the 82d Airborne Division Association exists to 
     continue and foster that special esprit de corps among fellow 
     paratroopers, to perpetuate the memory of the 82d Airborne 
     Division troopers who fought and died for our Nation, and to 
     further the common bond among all members of the airborne 
     community; and
       Whereas the 82d Airborne Division Association, during the 
     52d year of existence and at the 50th Annual Convention, 
     adopted a resolution to perpetuate the memory of the 
     Parachute Test Platoon's ``Jump Into History'' on August 16, 
     1940: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates August 16, 1997, as ``National Airborne 
     Day''; and
       (2) requests that the President issue a proclamation 
     calling upon the Federal, State, and local administrators and 
     the people of the United States to observe the day with 
     appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I am pleased to submit today a Senate 
resolution proclaiming August 16, 1997, as ``National Airborne Day.''
  On June 25, 1940, the War Department authorized the Parachute Test 
Platoon to experiment with the potential use of airborne troops. The 
Parachute Test Platoon, which was composed of 48 volunteers, performed 
the first official Army parachute jump on August 16, 1940. The success 
of the platoon led to the formation of a large and successful airborne 
contingent that has served from World War II until the present.
  The 82d Airborne Division was the first airborne division to be 
organized. In a 2-year period during World War II, the regiments of the 
82d served in Italy at Anzio, in France at Normandy--where I landed 
with them--and at the Battle of the Bulge. During this tumultuous 
period in our Nation's history, these brave soldiers served with 
distinction, as they have done for 55 years. It is only fitting that we 
honor them.
  I urge you to join with me in sponsoring National Airborne Day to 
express our support for the members of the airborne community and also 
our gratitude for their tireless commitment to our Nation's defense and 
ideals.

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