[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 6] [Senate] [Page 8242] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]SENATE RESOLUTION 95--DESIGNATING AUGUST 16, 1999, AS ``NATIONAL AIRBORNE DAY'' Mr. THURMOND submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary: S. Res. 95 Whereas the Parachute Test Platoon was authorized by the War Department on June 25, 1940, to experiment with the potential use of airborne troops; Whereas the Parachute Test Platoon was composed of 48 volunteers that began training in July, 1940; Whereas the Parachute Test Platoon performed the first official Army parachute jump on August 16, 1940; Whereas the success of the Parachute Test Platoon led to the formation of a large and successful airborne contingent serving from World War II until the present; Whereas the 11th, 13th, 17th, 82nd, and 101st Airborne Divisions and the numerous other regimental and battalion- sized airborne units were organized following the success of the Parachute Test Platoon; Whereas the 501 Parachute Battalion participated successfully and valiantly in achieving victory in World War II; Whereas the airborne achievements during World War II provided the basis for continuing the development of a diversified force of parachute and air assault troops; Whereas paratroopers, glidermen, and air assault troops of the United States were and are proud members of the world's most exclusive and honorable fraternity, have earned and wear the ``Silver Wings of Courage'', have participated in a total of 93 combat jumps, and have distinguished themselves in battle by earning 68 Congressional medals of Honor, the highest military decoration of the United States, and hundreds of Distinguished Service Crosses and Silver Stars; Whereas these airborne forces have performed in important military and peacekeeping operations, wherever needed, in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Lebanon, Sinai, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Somalia, Haiti, and Bosnia; and Whereas the Senate joins together with the airborne community to celebrate August 16, 1999, as ``National Airborne Day'': Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate-- (1) designates August 16, 1999, as ``National Airborne Day''; and (2) requests that the President issue a proclamation calling on Federal, State, and local administrators and the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I am pleased to submit today a Senate resolution proclaiming August 16, 1999 as ``National Airborne Day.'' On June 25, 1940, the War Department authorized the Parachute Test Platoon to experiment with the potential use of airborne troops. The Parachute Test Platoon, which was composed of 48 volunteers, performed the first official army parachute jump on August 16, 1940. The success of the Platoon led to the formation of a large and successful airborne contingent that has served from World War Two unto the present. The 82d Airborne Division was the first airborne division to be organized. In a two-year period during World War Two, the regiments of the 82d served in Italy at Anzio, in France at Normandy, where I landed with them, and at the Battle of the Bulge. Other units were subsequently organized, including the 101st Airborne, and since their formation airborne forces have defended American interests all over the world. They have seen action in the Caribbean, Asia, Panama, and in the Persian Gulf. Airborne units have earned over 65 Congressional Medals of Honor, our Nation's highest military honor. These brave soldiers have served our Nation for over sixty years with distinction. This resolution recognizes the airborne's past and present commitment to our country. It is only fitting that we honor them. I urge you to join with me in sponsoring ``National Airborne Day'' to express our support for the members of the airborne community and also our gratitude for their tireless commitment to our Nation's defense and ideals. ____________________