When is National Airborne Day celebrated in the United States? What does it symbolize? And what is it that brings so many people out to join the military and participate in parascending events? In early August each year, National Airborne Day commemorates the 50th anniversary of the famed parachute jump undertaken by the Army Airborne Troops.
It was on this jump that the United States dropped the first bombs of the world war, and it was the feat of these young men created a sense of pride in the nation and inspired countless future soldiers.
When is National Airborne Day?
The Army’s airborne school soldiers made history on this day. They reached the end of the line while training to become professional parachutists. Today, as veterans and their loved ones look back on this important day, it is a time for celebration and remembering the ultimate sacrifice that so many of our fellow citizens made.
- Year > 2024
- Date > 16th August
- Weekday > Tuesday
National Airborne Day Observances
There are many different ways in which you can mark National Airborne Day. One way is by visiting your local National Airborne Day celebration, which may be held at a national park, a historic plantation or even at one of the jump zones that are still in operation.
At these celebrations, members of the parachute jump team often share stories of how they reached the end of their long, gruelling training and share the pride of wearing jump wings. Other ways to celebrate the day include participating in special operations like military parades, theatrical productions, etc.
Throughout the years, National Airborne Day has gained particular meaning because of the sacrifices made by the members of the 101st Airborne Division. The formation of the National Airborne Division began in 1917 as a reaction to the World War. The unit was formed over the following five years and named “The 101st Division.”
While it was initially formed to counter the German Army, the 101st served in the air as part of the First World War. The regiment was then asked to return to Britain and fight against the Luftwaffe; however, in no time, the regiment was changed again and changed to the much more familiar “The 102nd Airborne Division.”
In keeping with tradition, today’s National Airborne Day is also designated in memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice or in recognition of those who have become heroes. It is thought that over 1 million paratroopers lost their lives when the German Army pinned them down during World War II.
The stories tell of young men who never wanted to leave their trenches, risking everything just to be a few feet away from the enemy. Today, many young men and women serve as paratroopers, sometimes making life-and-death decisions that could change the course of history.
There are many ways that special operations troops choose to serve and sacrifice their time, whether it is worth risking their lives to save the lives of comrades or making an incredible choice to risk everything for the country’s safety.
When the day of remembrance comes, many families gather at a local sports field to celebrate the year’s events. Parachutes are often the subject of conversation, with friends sharing stories of the fallen flyers and sharing in the thrill of competition among family members.
The thrill of competition often leads to intense friendships and teams formed to compete in nationwide athletic competitions. National Airborne Day is a day to honour the fallen and remembered heroes of World War II and an opportunity for American patriots to take a step back in time and remember what it was like to serve as a paratrooper.
