WASHINGTON, DC -- Nearly 84 years after the first official Army parachute jump at what was then Fort Benning (now Fort Moore), Georgia in 1940, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution designating August 16, 2024 as “National Airborne Day,” commemorating the anniversary of that first jump and the creation of the first American airborne divisions, including the 82nd and the 101st.

The bipartisan resolution (S. Res 797), led by U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Jack Reed (D-RI), which was approved by the full Senate earlier this month, calls on all Americans to observe the day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

“From individual paratroopers to riggers, jumpmasters, pilots, and everyone who contributes to success of the mission, we salute the entire airborne community.  National Airborne Day recognizes the outstanding service, skill, and sacrifice of members and former members of the United States airborne forces.  They continue a proud and honorable tradition of jumping out of perfectly good airplanes and going behind enemy lines to undertake and achieve the seemingly impossible, but for them – due to their training and capability – they make it look routine,” said Senator Reed, who served in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division as an Infantry Platoon Leader, a Company Commander, and a Battalion Staff Officer.  “It’s a day to honor those who came before us and those who continue to serve with bravery and distinction.”

The U.S. Senate unanimously approved the resolution, which was also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Baldwin (D-MN), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Joe Manchin (I-WV), Kirsten Sinema (I-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Tom Tillis (R-NC), and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK).

The resolution notes that the members of the airborne forces of the Armed Forces of the United States have a long and honorable history as bold and fierce warriors who, for the national security of the United States and the defense of freedom and peace, project the ground combat power of the United States by air transport to the far reaches of the battle area and to the far corners of the world.

On June 25, 1940, experiments with airborne operations by the United States began after the Army Parachute Test Platoon was first authorized by the Department of War.  In July 1940, 48 volunteers began training for the Army Parachute Test Platoon.  And on August 16, 1940, those soldiers did what no one in the Army had ever done before: completed a test jump demonstrating the innovative concept of inserting United States ground combat forces behind a battle line by means of a parachute.

Over the years, the U.S. Armed Forces created a formidable force of airborne units that included the 11th, 13th, 17th, 82nd, and 101st Airborne Divisions.  The achievements of these airborne units prompted the creation of a diversified force of parachute and air-assault units that fought in Korea, the Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, the Persian Gulf region, Somalia, and engaged in peacekeeping operations in Lebanon, the Sinai Peninsula, Haiti, Bosnia, and Kosovo.

The members and former members of the United States airborne forces have distinguished themselves with special skills and achievements and many have earned decorations and awards for their displays of heroism, gallantry, and valor.  Such awards include the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, and the Silver Star