Proc. 7582 Title 3--The President 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 the Bicentennial of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. I call upon all Americans to recognize this anniversary with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and ac- tivities, thereby honoring the Office's many scientific, economic, and cul- tural contributions to our Nation and the world. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independ- ence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7582 of August 14, 2002 National Airborne Day, 2002 By the President of the United States of Arnerica A Proclamation The history of Airborne forces began after World War I, when Brigadier General William Mitchell first conceived the idea of parachuting troops into combat. Eventually, under the leadership of Maior William Lee at Fort Benning, Georgia, members of the Parachute Test Platoon pioneered meth- ods of combat iumping in 1940. In November 1942, members of the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, conducted America's first combat iump, leaping from a C-47 aircraft behind enemy lines in North Af- rica. This strategy revolutionized combat and established Airborne forces as a key component of our military. During World War II, Airborne tactics were critical to the success of impor- tant missions, including the D-Day invasion at Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge, the invasion of Southern France, and many others. In Korea and Vietnam, Airborne soldiers played a critical combat role, as well as in later conflicts and peacekeeping operations, including Panama, Grenada, Desert Storm, Haiti, Somalia, and the Balkans. Most recently, Airborne forces were vital to liberating the people of Afghanistan from the repressive and violent Tallban regime; and these soldiers continue to serve proudly around the world in the global coalition against terrorism. The elite Airborne ranks include prestigious groups such as the 82nd Air- borne Division, "America's Guard of Honor," and the "Screaming Eagles" of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). Airborne forces have also been represented in the former 11th, 13th, and 17th Airborne Divisions and nu- merous other Airborne, glider and air assault units and regiments. Para- troopers in the Army's XVIII Airborne Corps, the 75th Infantry (Ranger) Regiment and other Special Forces units conduct swift and effective oper- ations in defense of peace and freedom. Airborne combat continues to be driven by the bravery and daring spirit of sky soldiers. Often called into action with little notice, these forces have earned an enduring reputation for dedication, excellence, and honor. As we 116
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