National Airborne Day is a day designated by the United States Congress to honor the nation’s airborne forces of the Armed Forces. It was created in 2001 by George W. Bush.
August 16, 1940 marked the first official Army parachute jump, validating the innovative concept of inserting United States ground combat forces behind a battle line by parachute.
On August 14, 2002 President George W. Bush issued the following proclamation:
"...Now, therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim August 16, 2002, as National Airborne Day. As we commemorate the first official Army parachute jump on August 16, 1940, I encourage all Americans to join me in honoring the thousands of soldiers, past and present, who have served in an airborne capacity. I call upon all citizens to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities...."
On August 3, 2009 the Senate recognized National Airborne Day with Senate Resolution 235.