Fayetteville Celebrates 70 Years of Army Airborne

Fayetteville – National Airborne Day 2010, slated for August 14 at the Airborne & Special Operations Museum, will recognize the anniversaries of both the US Army Airborne (70 years) and the opening of the museum (10 years.) This year’s celebration includes a formal dedication of Iron Mike on the grounds of the museum. Built in 1961, Iron Mike stood near the Airborne Corps. Headquarters, unt

National Airborne Day 2010 to include Iron Mike Dedication

Fayetteville – National Airborne Day 2010, slated for August 14 at the Airborne & Special Operations Museum, will recognize the anniversaries of both the US Army Airborne (70 years) and the opening of the museum (10 years.)

This year’s celebration includes a formal dedication of Iron Mike on the grounds of the museum. Built in 1961, Iron Mike stood near the Airborne Corps. Headquarters, until it was replaced by a bronze statue in 2005 so it could be restored.

With restoration complete, Iron Mike was placed at the museum in mid-June. “He represents all paratroopers,” said Paul Galloway, Executive Director of the Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation. “If I had a dollar for every paratrooper that had touched his boot, I’d be a millionaire. We’re the most patriotic city in the nation. No community honors the military like us.”

Airborne Heritage Day starts at 10 am and runs through 3 pm on the grounds of the Airborne & Special Operations Museum. Other special events include: