Hoo-AH: National Airborne Day honors past, present paratroopers

I did not see any Presidential Proclamations
which are usually issued before the event,
and there’s nothing in today Federal Register.

On August 16, 1940, "The United States Army Infantry Board Airborne Test Platoon", performed the first official U.S. Army parachute jump and on August 16, 1942 the 82nd Infantry Division was the first airborne division designated and was renamed the 82nd Airborne Division.

Since then U.S. Airborne troops have played a vital role in World War II, Panama, Grenada, Desert Storm, Haiti, Somalia, the Balkans, and the recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.

This year's event commemorated the 70th anniversary of the Army Parachute Test Platoon's first official jump and the 10th anniversary of the Special Operations Museum in downtown Fayetteville.

Lt. Gen. Dick Seitz, a World War II veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge in 1945 and earned a Silver Star, was the event's guest speaker.

In 1967, Seitz commanded the 82nd Airborne Division where he deployed troops to quell riots in Detroit and Washington, D.C. Within 36 hours of notification, he deployed the 3rd Brigade to Vietnam following the Tet Offensive.

Seitz's last assignment before retiring in 1975 was as the commander of the XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg. He spoke Saturday of the service and sacrifice made by members of the military.

In his remarks, Seitz revisited the origin of today's Army paratrooper. The first jump from an aircraft in flight by members of the test platoon of Airborne infantry was made from a Douglas B-18 over Lawson Field at Fort Benning, Ga., on Aug. 16, 1940.

"Those members of the test platoon were the cream of our Army," Seitz said. "They set the standards. They laid the groundwork for the spirit, for the professionalism we have in our Army."

“Although the environment has changed, our soldiers are still the dedicated soldiers they have always been,” Seitz said.

Other special guests included Lt. Gen. Frank Helmick, the commander of Fort Bragg and the 18th Airborne Corps; and Gen. James J. Lindsay, a former commander of Fort Bragg and the 18th Airborne Corps.

"Airborne soldiers are a different breed of soldier," Helmick said. "When they take on a task, they go all the way."

In June, the original Iron Mike - the 2,500-pound statue of an 82nd Airborne Division paratrooper - was moved from storage on Fort Bragg and placed at the entrance to the Airborne museum.

On Saturday, Iron Mike's plaque was unveiled. It read:

"In honor of Airborne troopers whose courage, dedication, and traditions make them the world's finest fighting soldiers."

On August 14, 2002 President George W. Bush issued a proclamation to recognize August 16th as “National Airborne Day.”

In his proclamation President Bush states:

“During World War II, Airborne tactics were critical to the success of important missions, including the D-Day invasion at Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge, the invasion of Southern France, and many others.

In Korea and Vietnam, Airborne soldiers played a critical combat role, as well as in later conflicts and peacekeeping operations, including Grenada, Panama, Desert Storm, Haiti, Somalia, and the Balkans.

Most recently, Airborne forces were vital to liberating the people of Afghanistan from the repressive and violent Taliban regime; and these soldiers con-tinue to serve proudly around the world in the global coalition against terrorism.

Airborne combat continues to be driven by the bravery and daring spirit of sky soldiers. Often called into action with little notice, these forces have earned an enduring reputation for dedication, excellence, and honor. As we face the challenges of a new era, I encourage all people to recognize the contributions of these courageous soldiers to our Nation and the world.”