07 LC 34
1269
House
Resolution 845
By:
Representatives Carter of the
159th,
Yates of the
73rd,
Wilkinson of the
52nd,
Holt of the
112th,
and Cheokas of the
134th
A
RESOLUTION
Commending
the airborne forces of the United States Armed Forces and designating August 16,
2007, as "Airborne Heritage Day"; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS,
the airborne forces of the United States Armed Forces have a long and honorable
history as units of adventuresome, hardy, and fierce warriors who, for the
national security of the United States and the defense of freedom and peace,
carry the effective ground combat power of the United States by Air Force air
transport to the far reaches of battle areas around the world; and
WHEREAS,
August 16 marks the anniversary of the first official jump by the Army Parachute
Test Platoon, which officially validated the concept of inserting United States
ground combat forces behind battle lines by means of a parachute;
and
WHEREAS,
the United States' experiment with airborne infantry attack began on June 25,
1940, when the Army Parachute Test Platoon was first authorized by the United
States Department of War, and was launched when 48 volunteers began training in
July of 1940; and
WHEREAS,
the success of the Parachute Test Platoon in the days immediately preceding the
entry of the United States into World War II led to the formation of a
formidable force of airborne units that, since then, have served with
distinction and repeated success in armed hostilities; and
WHEREAS,
the achievements of the airborne forces during World War II provided a basis for
evolution into a diversified force of parachute and air-assault units that over
the years have fought in Korea, Vietnam, Granada, Panama, the Persian Gulf
Region, and Somalia and that have engaged in peacekeeping operations in Lebanon,
the Sinai Peninsula, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Bosnia, and Kosovo;
and
WHEREAS,
the members of the United States combat airborne forces, both past and present,
have earned many awards, such as the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service
Cross, the Silver Star, the airborne's Silver Wings of Courage, and other
awards, for displays of heroism and valor; and
WHEREAS,
the United States Senate has recognized the significant contributions of the
airborne community and the many sacrifices of the nation's paratroopers and (in
former days) glider troops through resolutions proclaiming August 16 as National
Airborne Day from 1999 through 2006; and
WHEREAS,
the history and achievements of the members and former members of the airborne
forces of the United States Armed Forces warrant the warmest gratitude of the
American people.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of
this body do hereby commend the airborne forces of the United States Armed
Forces for their heroic efforts on behalf of the American people.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, in tribute to the history and achievements of the
airborne forces of the United States Armed Forces, August 16, 2007, is hereby
designated as "Airborne Heritage Day."