[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 160 (Monday, August 19, 2002)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 53723-53724]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-21212]


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                         Presidential Documents 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 160 / Monday, August 19, 2002 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 53723]]

                Proclamation 7582 of August 14, 2002

                
National Airborne Day, 2002

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                The history of Airborne forces began after World War I, 
                when Brigadier General William Mitchell first conceived 
                the idea of parachuting troops into combat. Eventually, 
                under the leadership of Major William Lee at Fort 
                Benning, Georgia, members of the Parachute Test Platoon 
                pioneered methods of combat jumping in 1940. In 
                November 1942, members of the 2nd Battalion, 503rd 
                Parachute Infantry Regiment, conducted America's first 
                combat jump, leaping from a C-47 aircraft behind enemy 
                lines in North Africa. This strategy revolutionized 
                combat and established Airborne forces as a key 
                component of our military.

                During World War II, Airborne tactics were critical to 
                the success of important missions, including the D-Day 
                invasion at Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge, the 
                invasion of Southern France, and many others. In Korea 
                and Vietnam, Airborne soldiers played a critical combat 
                role, as well as in later conflicts and peacekeeping 
                operations, including Panama, Grenada, Desert Storm, 
                Haiti, Somalia, and the Balkans. Most recently, 
                Airborne forces were vital to liberating the people of 
                Afghanistan from the repressive and violent Taliban 
                regime; and these soldiers continue to serve proudly 
                around the world in the global coalition against 
                terrorism.

                The elite Airborne ranks include prestigious groups 
                such as the 82nd Airborne Division, ``America's Guard 
                of Honor,'' and the ``Screaming Eagles'' of the 101st 
                Airborne Division (Air Assault). Airborne forces have 
                also been represented in the former 11th, 13th, and 
                17th Airborne Divisions and numerous other Airborne, 
                glider and air assault units and regiments. 
                Paratroopers in the Army's XVIII Airborne Corps, the 
                75th Infantry (Ranger) Regiment and other Special 
                Forces units conduct swift and effective operations in 
                defense of peace and freedom.

                Airborne combat continues to be driven by the bravery 
                and daring spirit of sky soldiers. Often called into 
                action with little notice, these forces have earned an 
                enduring reputation for dedication, excellence, and 
                honor. As we face the challenges of a new era, I 
                encourage all people to recognize the contributions of 
                these courageous soldiers to our Nation and the world.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim August 16, 2002, as National 
                Airborne Day. As we commemorate the first official Army 
                parachute jump on August 16, 1940, I encourage all 
                Americans to join me in honoring the thousands of 
                soldiers, past and present, who have served in an 
                Airborne capacity. I call upon all citizens to observe 
                this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and 
                activities.

[[Page 53724]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                fourteenth day of August, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand two, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 02-21212
Filed 8-16-02; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P