[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 159 (Wednesday, August 18, 2004)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Page 51353]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-19111]



[[Page 51351]]

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Part II





The President





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Proclamation 7805--National Airborne Day, 2004
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  Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 159 / Wednesday, August 18, 2004 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 51353]]

                Proclamation 7805 of August 16, 2004

                
National Airborne Day, 2004

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Americans look to the members of our Armed Forces as 
                examples of honor and patriotism. On National Airborne 
                Day, we commemorate the first official Army parachute 
                jump on August 16, 1940, and salute a distinguished 
                group of individuals whose courage and dedication have 
                earned them a cherished place in American history.

                Our Nation's Airborne forces have helped liberate 
                millions from oppression and extend peace and freedom 
                around the world. From the initial tests of this new 
                medium of warfare, to the establishment of venerable 
                units serving today, these brave men and women have 
                expanded the vision and capabilities of our Armed 
                Forces. The Army designated the first Airborne division 
                on August 15, 1942, and the 82nd Airborne Division set 
                the standard for achievement and built a proud legacy 
                of service. Many units followed in their footsteps, 
                fighting bravely in battle and serving our country with 
                distinction in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and other 
                critical missions.

                Today's Airborne forces continue the tradition of 
                excellence and determination as we fight the global war 
                on terror. In Afghanistan and Iraq, they have helped 
                advance peace and democracy and defended the American 
                people from danger. We are grateful for their service 
                and continue to stand solidly behind the men and women 
                of our Airborne forces, and all those in our military, 
                as they serve on the front lines of freedom.

                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, 2004, as National 
                Airborne Day. I encourage all Americans to join me in 
                honoring those who have served in the Airborne forces. 
                I call upon all citizens to observe this day with 
                appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 04-19111
Filed 8-17-04; 10:52 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P