SRES-797-118
Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5836; text: CR S5788)
Sponsored by Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
What it does
This resolution designates August 16, 2024, as "National Airborne Day" to commemorate the anniversary of the first official U.S. Army parachute jump on August 16, 1940. It calls on the American public to observe the day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. The resolution carries no legal mandates, appropriations, or regulatory changes.
Who benefits
Current and former members of U.S. airborne forces, including paratroopers, air assault troops, and special operations personnel from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force. Veterans' organizations and airborne unit associations that may use the designation to organize commemorative events. Military history educators and museums. Families of airborne veterans who gain formal national recognition of their relatives' service.
Who is hurt
No group faces a direct material harm from this resolution. There are no regulatory burdens, spending redirections, or legal obligations created. Individuals or organizations philosophically opposed to military commemoration may object on expressive grounds, but face no legal or financial consequence.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that U.S. airborne forces have a distinguished combat record spanning World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, and post-9/11 operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, with dozens of Medal of Honor recipients among their ranks. They contend that formally designating August 16 — the anniversary of the first Army parachute jump in 1940 — provides a fitting and historically grounded occasion to honor the service and sacrifice of these elite units and their veterans.
Opponents argue
Opponents might argue that Congress already designates a large number of commemorative days, weeks, and months each year, and that the proliferation of such resolutions dilutes their symbolic value and consumes limited legislative floor time. They could contend that airborne forces are already recognized through existing Veterans Day and Armed Forces Day observances, making a separate designation redundant rather than meaningfully additive.