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    • National Airborne Day

      Reported By RET C.Brock

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      Today is National Airborne Day, which recognizes the service of airborne troops of the United States Armed Forces.

      The date was first recognized in 2002 following a resolution by the US Congress and approval by President George W. Bush. August 16 was chosen in commemoration of the first Army airborne jump on August 16, 1940.

      Each year, a ceremony is held on Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning), site of the first Army parachute jump and present home of the Army’s Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade and other airborne units.

      Starting in the Second World War and continuing through the Global War on Terror, paratroopers have served at great personal risk in dangerous missions behind enemy lines.

      Legendary American units like the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, 173rd Airborne Brigade, 75th Ranger Regiment, and many others have fought hard and fought well in perilous and often sustained campaigns against entrenched enemy forces. This was often at great cost.

      The intense training, elite capabilities, and esprit de corps of airborne Soldiers are all part of the many traditions of paratroopers through time, and they live on today.

      Airborne!

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