[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 106 (Friday, July 31, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9549-S9550]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         NATIONAL AIRBORNE DAY

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, a few hundred miles south of here, 
stands Fort Bragg, a sprawling military installation that is the home 
of the 82nd Airborne Division, and where thousands of paratroopers are 
ready to go anywhere in the world, ``stand in the door'', and jump into 
harm's way in order to protect the national security and vital 
interests of the United States. Today, I am pleased to remind my 
colleagues that August 16, 1998 has been designated ``National Airborne 
Day'' as a way to honor all those who have worn the winged parachute 
badge on their uniform.
  Though the concept of using airborne troops in warfare is only a 
little more than fifty years old, the versatility and effectiveness of 
these forces is above question. In particular, ``America's Guard of 
Honor'', the 82nd Airborne Division, has established an especially 
proud record over the past five decades.

[[Page S9550]]

  During World War II, the paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division 
participated in the campaigns of Anzio, Normandy--where I landed with 
the 325th Glider Infantry Regiment--, and the Battle of the Bulge. In 
the years that have passed since the surrender of the Axis powers, the 
82nd Airborne Division has been involved in almost every major military 
operation undertaken by the United States. Among other places, 
paratroopers have deployed to the Dominican Republic; Vietnam; Grenada; 
Panama; and Southwest Asia in order to protect the security, interests, 
and citizens of the United States. In each and every instance, those 
who wear the ``Double AA'' patch on their shoulder have distinguished 
themselves as brave soldiers, determined warriors, and great Americans.
  Mr. President, we are indeed fortunate to have the 82nd Airborne 
Division as an integral part of the United States Army. That the 
paratroopers of the 82nd are ready to deploy anywhere in the world with 
just a few hours notice is testament to the bravery, professionalism, 
and patriotism of these soldiers. I think it is only fitting that we 
honor all those who have ever served in the 82nd Airborne Division, or 
who have ever worn the parachutist badge, by remembering them on August 
16, ``National Airborne Day''. This is a small, but worthy, way to 
recognize the contributions that the Airborne Soldiers of our Army have 
made to keeping the United States free and safe.

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