[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 34 (Monday, August 23, 2004)]
[Pages 1623-1624]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7805--National Airborne Day, 2004

 August 16, 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

[[Page 1624]]

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.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:52 a.m., August 17, 
2004]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on August 
18.