"Proclamation"

NATIONAL AIRBORNE DAY - AUGUST 16, 2004

WHEREAS, the Parachute Test Platoon was authorized by the War department on June 25, 1940 to experiment with the potential use of airborne troops; and

WHEREAS, the Parachute Test Platoon, composed of 48 volunteers, began training in July 1940 and performed the first official Army parachute jump on August 16, 1940; and

WHEREAS, the success of the Parachute Test Platoon led to the formation of a large and successful airborne contingent serving in World War II to the present; and

WHEREAS, the 82nd Airborne Division was the first Airborne Division organized out of success of the Parachute Test Platoon and the early airborne training program has continued in active service since its creation; and

WHEREAS, the 82nd Airborne Division Association exists in part to perpetrate the memory of those 82nd Airborne Division Troopers who fought and died for our nation; and

WHEREAS, the United States Senate passed the National Airborne Day Resolution on July 6, 2004; and

WHEREAS, Grand Island, New York is the birthplace and final resting place of Pfc. Charles N. DeGlopper (MOH), posthumously awarded the Nation's Highest award - Congressional Medal of Honor - for his actions above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a member of Company "C" First Battalion, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, at La Fiere, France on June 9, 1944;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Grand Island does
hereby proclaim August 16, 2004
in the Town of Grand Island and encourages its citizens to observe and commemorate this historic event.