[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 51 (Monday, May 1, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S3197]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   SENATE RESOLUTION 301--DESIGNATING AUGUST 16, 2000, AS ``NATIONAL 
                             AIRBORNE DAY''

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

                              S. Res. 301

       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.

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I am pleased to rise today to submit a 
Senate resolution which designates August 16, 2000 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 Two until the present.
  I was privileged to serve with the 82nd Airborne Division, one of the 
first airborne divisions to be organized. In a two-year period during 
World War Two, the regiments of the 82nd served in Italy at Anzio, in 
France at Normandy (where I landed with them), and at the Battle of the 
Bulge.
  The 11th, 13th, 17th, and 101st Airborne Divisions and numerous other 
regimental and battalion size airborne units were also organized 
following the success of the Parachute Test Platoon. In the last sixty 
years, these airborne forces have performed in important military and 
peace-keeping operations all over the world, and it is only fitting 
that we honor them.
  Mr. President, through passage of ``National Airborne Day,'' the 
Senate will reaffirm our support for the members of the airborne 
community and also show our gratitude for their tireless commitment to 
our Nation's defense and ideals.

                          ____________________