Tony Thurmond: “a few hundred miles south of here, stands Fort Bragg, a sprawling military installation that is the home of the 82nd…”

“a few hundred miles south of here, stands Fort Bragg, a sprawling military installation that is the home of the 82nd Airborne Division, and where thousands of paratroopers are ready to go anywhere in the world, ``stand in the door'', and jump into harm's way in order to protect the national security and vital interests of the United States. Today, I am pleased to remind my colleagues that August 16, 1998 has been designated ``National Airborne Day'' as a way to honor all those who have worn the winged parachute badge on their uniform. Though the concept of using airborne troops in warfare is only a little more than fifty years old, the versatility and effectiveness of these forces is above question. In particular, ``America's Guard of Honor'', the 82nd Airborne Division, has established an especially proud record over the past five decades. During World War II, the paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division participated in the campaigns of Anzio, Normandy--where I landed with the 325th Glider Infantry Regiment--, and the Battle of the Bulge.”