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Upcoming

Chapter
Events

Our first meeting is confirmed for 15 March. A full calendar of dates that matter is taking shape.

March 2026

First Chapter Meeting

Cartoon paratroopers sharing coffee mid-air
Mar 15

Coffee and Conversation

Sunday · 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Bountiful Bread, Albany

Join us for coffee and conversation at our first chapter meeting. Chapter leadership will be decided. All paratroopers and those with ties to the 82d Airborne are welcome.

RSVP Now
Location

Bountiful Bread

1475 Western Ave
Albany, NY 12203

Get Directions ↗
What Happens Here
Coffee and Introductions 10:00 AM
Chapter Discussion Open agenda
Leadership Election Initial officers decided
RSVP — 15 March 2026

Help us prepare. Let us know you are coming.

The Annual Calendar

Dates We Honor Every Year

May 9–10

Albany Tulip Festival

Saturday–Sunday · Washington Park, Albany · Free and open to the public

Albany's signature spring event, held annually on Mother's Day weekend since 1949. The festival exists because of the sister-city friendship between Albany and Nijmegen, a friendship initiated by Major General James Gavin of the 82d Airborne after witnessing the city's devastation in World War II. More than 140,000 tulips bloom across Washington Park. The Tulip Chapter intends to have a presence here each year.

Albany Tulip Festival Website ↗
Aug 16

National Airborne Day

16 August · Established by Act of Congress, 2001

August 16 marks the anniversary of the first U.S. Army parachute test platoon jump at Fort Benning, Georgia, in 1940. Congress designated the date as National Airborne Day to honor all who have served as paratroopers in defense of the United States. For the 82d Airborne Division, the nation's premier airborne force, this day carries special weight.

Sept 17

Operation Market Garden Anniversary

17 September · Nijmegen, Netherlands · 1944

On 17 September 1944, the largest airborne operation in history began. The 82d Airborne Division dropped into the Netherlands, fought for the Waal River crossing at Nijmegen, and secured the bridge under fire. This is the event that forged the Dutch-American friendship our chapter takes its name from. We mark the anniversary every year.

Also on the Calendar

Other Dates We Observe

Last Monday
in May Memorial Day

Remembering those who gave their lives in service, including All Americans who fell in the Netherlands and in every conflict since.

11
November Veterans Day

Honoring the service of all veterans of the 82d Airborne Division and of the United States Armed Forces.

Founding
Meeting 15 March 2026 · Albany

Our first official chapter gathering. Coffee and conversation at Bountiful Bread. Come and be part of what this chapter becomes.