On August 16^th, 1940, the first Army parachute jump was conducted, allowing the United States combat forces to be inserted behind battles lines. This Saturday, August 18^th, the community comes together to celebrate the 72^nd birthday of this historic jump and the Army Airborne! A community rich in military history, the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in downtown Fayetteville will lead the festivities in celebrating the Army Parachute Test Platoon’s first official jump and the eleventh anniversary of the museum itself.

The event will kick off at 10:00 a.m. when members of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Black Daggers, the 82^nd Airborne Division All-American Freefall team and the Golden Knights perform a freefall parachute demonstration. All eyes will be towards the skies as tiny specks turn into red, white and blue parachutes, smoke billows and free-falling parachutists perform gracefully during their plummet towards ground.

The 82^nd Airborne Division “All-American” Chorus will perform in the museum immediately following, from 10:15 a.m. and again at 11:00 a.m.

Displays of current XVIII Airborne Corps, 82nd Airborne Division and US Army Special Operations Command equipment, as well as historic re-enactors, will be on display at the museum’s parade field and in the lobby and gallery until 3 p.m. In addition, parachute riggers will hold demonstrations throughout the day.

Fun for the whole family, this event is free and open to the public!