National Airborne Day
August 16th is National Airborne Day. In 2001 then President George W. Bush chose this day to recognize, past, present and future Airborne soldiers. The day also commemorates the first use of American paratroopers in combat on August 16, 1942.
History
August 13 – August 16, 1940 Fort Benning, Georgia, “a platoon of Soldiers completed four days of parachute jumps in a test that led to creation of the Army’s elite paratrooper units, known as the Airborne.” The initiation of this training school would later assist in turning the tide in World War II.
Celebration and Remembrance
In years past, Fort Benning has marked National Airborne Day with events for spectators. Such as, live re-enactments in WWII uniform using a WWII vintage C-47 transport plane. However, due to Coviv-19 the ability to celebrate has been halted for spectators. Though new recruits hoping to earn their silver wings continue to train for their chance to become a member of the Airborne.
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Sources: Army.mil
