[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 120 (Tuesday, August 2, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S5269]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SENATE RESOLUTION 254--DESIGNATING AUGUST 16, 2011, AS ``NATIONAL 
                             AIRBORNE DAY''

  Mr. REED of Rhode Island (for himself, Ms. Murkowski, Mr. Whitehouse, 
Mr. Corker, Mr. Crapo, Ms. Snowe, Mr. Blunt, Mr. Brown of 
Massachusetts, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Begich, Mr. Lieberman, Ms. Landrieu, 
Mr. Akaka, Mr. Rubio, Mrs. Hagan, Mr. Baucus, Mr. Blumenthal, Mrs. 
Hutchison, Mr. Casey, Mr. Burr, and Mr. Cochran) submitted the 
following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 254

       Whereas the airborne forces of the Armed Forces have a long 
     and honorable history as bold and fierce warriors who, for 
     the national security of the United States and the defense of 
     freedom and peace, project the ground combat power of the 
     United States by air transport to the far reaches of the 
     battle area and to the far corners of the world;
       Whereas the United States' experiment with airborne 
     operations began on June 25, 1940, when the Army Parachute 
     Test Platoon was first authorized by the Department of War, 
     and 48 volunteers began training in July 1940;
       Whereas August 16 marks the anniversary of the first 
     official Army parachute jump on August 16, 1940, to test the 
     innovative concept of inserting United States ground combat 
     forces behind a battle line by means of a parachute;
       Whereas the success of the Army Parachute Test Platoon in 
     the days immediately before the entry of the United States 
     into World War II validated the airborne operational concept 
     and led to the creation of a formidable force of airborne 
     formations, such as the 11th, 13th, 17th, 82nd, and 101st 
     Airborne Divisions;
       Whereas included in these divisions, and among other 
     separate formations, were many airborne combat, combat 
     support, and combat service support units that served with 
     distinction and achieved repeated success in armed 
     hostilities that provide the lineage and legacy of many 
     airborne units throughout our Armed Forces;
       Whereas the achievements of the airborne forces during 
     World War II prompted the evolution of those forces into a 
     diversified force of parachute and air-assault units that, 
     over the years, have fought in Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, 
     Panama, the Persian Gulf region, and Somalia, and have 
     engaged in peacekeeping operations in Lebanon, the Sinai 
     Peninsula, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Bosnia, and Kosovo;
       Whereas since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, 
     United States airborne forces, which include members of the 
     XVIII Airborne Corps, the 82nd Airborne Division, the 101st 
     Airborne Division, the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 
     the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) of the 25th Infantry 
     Division, the 75th Ranger Regiment, and special operations 
     forces of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force, 
     together with other units of the Armed Forces, have 
     demonstrated bravery and honor in combat, stability, and 
     training operations in Afghanistan and Iraq;
       Whereas the modern-day airborne force also includes other 
     elite forces composed of airborne trained and qualified 
     special operations warriors, including Army Special Forces, 
     Marine Corps Reconnaissance units, Navy SEALs, and Air Force 
     combat control and para-rescue teams;
       Whereas of the members and former members of the United 
     States airborne forces, thousands have achieved the 
     distinction of making combat jumps, dozens have earned the 
     Medal of Honor, and hundreds have earned the Distinguished 
     Service Cross, the Silver Star, or other decorations and 
     awards for displays of heroism, gallantry, intrepidity, and 
     valor;
       Whereas the members and former members of the United States 
     airborne forces are all members of a proud and honorable 
     tradition that, together with their special skills and 
     achievements, distinguishes such members as intrepid combat 
     parachutists, air assault forces, special operation forces, 
     and, in former days, glider troops;
       Whereas the history and achievements of the members and 
     former members of the United States airborne forces warrant 
     special expressions of the gratitude of the people of the 
     United States; and
       Whereas since the airborne forces, past and present, 
     celebrate August 16 as the anniversary of the first official 
     jump by the Army Parachute Test Platoon, August 16 is an 
     appropriate day to recognize as National Airborne Day: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates August 16, 2011, as ``National Airborne 
     Day''; and
       (2) calls on the people of the United States to observe 
     National Airborne Day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, 
     and activities.

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