Florida Senate - 2013                            (NP)    SR 1880
       
       
       
       By Senator Latvala
       
       
       
       
       20-02466-13                                           20131880__
    1                          Senate Resolution                        
    2         A resolution recognizing August 16, 2013, as “Airborne
    3         Forces Heritage Day” in Florida.
    4  
    5         WHEREAS, the airborne forces of the United States Armed
    6  Forces have a long and honorable history as adventuresome,
    7  hardy, and fierce warriors who, in the defense of national
    8  security, freedom, and peace, provide support to ground combat
    9  troops through air transport to the far reaches of the
   10  battleground and to the four corners of the world, and
   11         WHEREAS, on June 25, 1940, the Army Parachute Test Platoon
   12  was authorized by the United States Department of War and, the
   13  following month, launched training with 48 volunteers, and
   14         WHEREAS, on August 16, 1940, the Army Parachute Test
   15  Platoon performed the first official United States Army
   16  parachute jump, proving the effectiveness of the innovative
   17  concept of inserting ground combat forces behind the battle
   18  line, and
   19         WHEREAS, the success of the Army Parachute Test Platoon,
   20  which validated the airborne operational concept, led to the
   21  creation of a formidable force of airborne warriors, including
   22  the 11th, 13th, 17th, 82nd, and 101st Airborne Divisions, and
   23         WHEREAS, these airborne forces served with distinction and
   24  achieved repeated success during World War II and the armed
   25  conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, Granada, Panama, the Persian Gulf,
   26  and Somalia, and have engaged in peace-keeping operations in
   27  Lebanon, the Sinai Peninsula, the Dominican Republic, Haiti,
   28  Bosnia, and Kosovo and training operations in the Philippines
   29  and Africa, and
   30         WHEREAS, in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001,
   31  terrorist attacks, numerous divisions, brigades, regiments, and
   32  special operations teams have demonstrated bravery and honor in
   33  combat, providing stability in Iraq and Afghanistan, and
   34         WHEREAS, members of the United States airborne forces have
   35  achieved distinction by earning the right to wear the Airborne
   36  Silver Wings of Courage, with 71 earning the Congressional Medal
   37  of Honor and hundreds more receiving the Distinguished Service
   38  Cross, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and other recognitions
   39  and awards for heroism and honor, NOW, THEREFORE,
   40  
   41  Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida:
   42  
   43         That we recognize August 16, 2013, as “Airborne Forces
   44  Heritage Day” in Florida.