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2000 SESSION

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006453804
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 163 Offered January 24, 2000 Designating August 16th as National Airborne Day in Virginia. ----------
Patrons-- Jones, J.C., Baskerville, Christian, Crittenden, Moss, Spruill and Williams; Senator: Miller, Y.B.
---------- Referred to Committee on Militia and Police ----------

WHEREAS, on August 16, 1940, members of the United States Army Test Platoon conducted the first official parachute jump; and

WHEREAS, this first successful jump led to the development of a World War II Airborne Force of Military Units, the precursor of the diversified Airborne forces of today; and

WHEREAS, American paratroopers were, and remain today, members of the world’s most exclusive fraternity, wearing the “Silver Wings of Courage” and earning 68 Congressional Medals of Honor and hundreds of Silver Stars and Distinguished Service Crosses; and

WHEREAS, beginning in World War II, America’s Airborne forces have performed vital roles in the nation’s military operations in Korea, Lebanon, Vietnam, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Panama, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, and the Persian Gulf; and

WHEREAS, today’s 82nd Airborne Division, the only Airborne division in the free world, stands ready to be mobilized and deployed within 18 hours to confront the enemies of freedom in any part of the world; and

WHEREAS, on the 60th anniversary of the founding of American Airborne forces, it is entirely appropriate to celebrate the signal accomplishments of Airborne forces in defense of America’s interests around the world; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby designate August 16, in 2000 and in each year thereafter, as National Airborne Day in Virginia; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the General Assembly urge the citizens of the Commonwealth to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of America’s paratroopers in defending liberty around the globe.