[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 63 (Tuesday, May 4, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4681-S4682]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SENATE RESOLUTION 95--DESIGNATING AUGUST 16, 1999, AS ``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 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 501 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 68 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, 1999, as ``National 
     Airborne Day'': Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates August 16, 1999, 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.

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I am pleased to submit today a Senate 
resolution proclaiming August 16, 1999 as ``National Airborne Day.''
  On June 25, 1940, the War Department authorized the Parachusete 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 Two unto the present.
  The 82d Airborne Division was the first airborne division to be 
organized. In a two-year period during World War Two, 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.
  Other units were subsequently organized, including the 101st 
Airborne, and since their formation airborne forces have defended 
American interests all over the world. They have seen action

[[Page S4682]]

in the Caribbean, Asia, Panama, and in the Persian Gulf. Airborne units 
have earned over 65 Congressional Medals of Honor, our Nation's highest 
military honor.
  These brave soldiers have served our Nation for over sixty years with 
distinction. This resolution recognize the airborne's past and present 
commitment to our country. 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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