National Airborne Day

National Airborne Day commemorates the first official military parachute jump at Ft. Benning, Georgia. This move was very important for US combat forces. To this day, people celebrate this day to remember the exploits of these heroes.

The History

The holiday was proposed in 2002 by a decree signed by President George W. Bush. In 2009, the US Senate officially recognized the day as National.

The US Airborne Forces have made a huge contribution to various campaigns and peacekeeping missions. Many operations would not have been successful if the soldiers had not penetrated behind enemy lines by jumping from aircraft. This is perfectly shown in the film Saving Private Ryan, when the soldiers parachuted into German territories.

Interesting facts

• Paratroopers get higher pay;
• The first air deployment was in Italy in 1927;
• The US airborne school in Georgia conducts a three-week training of paratroopers;
• During World War II, paratroopers were accompanied by trained shepherd dogs that detected mines and acted as guards.

Jumping out of planes thousands of feet above the ground is truly a feat. And if we add to this the danger of these actions, it becomes clear paratroopers are brave people.

How to take part

If you want to do something extreme on National Airborne Day, then let it be skydiving! Of course, you will jump with an instructor and under their close attention, but this will not affect the feeling of flying.

Visiting the Airborne Forces Museum is another great idea.

If you know paratroopers, be sure to call and congratulate them!

When is National Airborne Day celebrated in 2023?

National Airborne Day is observed on August 16 each year.

Observations