[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 33 (Monday, August 19, 2002)]
[Pages 1369-1370]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7582--National Airborne Day, 2002

 August 14, 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

[[Page 1370]]

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.
     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.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., August 16, 
2002]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on August 
19.