The Airborne Awards ceremony is not so much about the history of the airborne community as it is about the future, said Don Lassen, the World War II veteran who heads up the annual event.
“It’s a Family thing. You see generations of airborne (at the ceremony), because airborne is a Family tradition,” Lassen said. “You see second generation airborne Soldiers who are bringing their children, because they want their kids to grow up airborne.”
More than 200 airborne veterans will descend on Fort Benning Thursday for their 31st reunion, of sorts. The Airborne Awards actually include a number of activities other than the awards ceremony for which its named, a ceremony in which individual airborne associations from around the country are recognized for their contributions.
The formal event is held in Atlanta at the Marriott, where the veterans will meet Wednesday.
Thursday they’ll attend a 10 a.m. Airborne 5000 demonstration at Eubanks Field, followed by a memorial ceremony at the Airborne Walk. Former assistant commander of the 101st Airborne Division retired Maj. Gen. Gerald Bethke will be the guest speaker.
Lassen, who publishes the monthly Static Line newsletter for the airborne community, said he’s hearing more and more from younger veterans interested in events like the Airborne Awards.
“And it’s a damn good thing, because the World War II guys are dying every day,” he said. “It’s important we have these younger guys involved for the future of the airborne. ’Cause it’s still the airborne that gets things done, you know.”
The Thursday event on Fort Benning is free and open to the public.
To reserve a place at the banquet in Atlanta on Friday, call Lassen at 770-478-5301.
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