National Airborne Day is observed on Aug. 16 and was created in 2002 by President George W. Bush by a presidential proclamation. The United States Senate recognized National Airborne Day with a Resolution in 2009. The Airborne ranks include the vaunted 82nd Airborne Division, based at Fort Bragg, and the “Screaming Eagles” of the 101st Airborne Division, based at Fort Campbell, Ky., along with the elite special forces units which are also headquartered at Fort Bragg.
Aug. 16, 1940, marks the date of the first official Army parachute jump at Ft. Benning, Ga. The successful jump validated the innovative concept of inserting United States ground combat forces behind a battle line by parachute. These sky soldiers represent some of the most prestigious and effectively trained forces in the U.S. Army.
Aug. 16, 2000, is the founding date for the Airborne & Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville, which is hosting a 77th Anniversary Celebration of the first parachute jump on Saturday, Aug. 19.
