Rachael Riley

rriley@fayobserver.com

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All American Week — which celebrates the 82nd Airborne Division's history with retired and current paratroopers, families and the public — is canceled this year, officials announced Wednesday.

The week, which was scheduled for May 18 to May 21, will not be held this year because of the coronavirus, said Maj. Gen. James Mingus, commander of the 82nd Airborne Division.

“This decision was not made lightly, but it was made to safeguard the health and well-being of our All American family, many of which are amongst the most vulnerable populations,” Mingus said. “We felt an obligation to inform people as early as possible for planning and travel considerations.”

All American Week was first held at Fort Bragg in 1986, with a Division Run, sports competitions, a memorial service and Division Review.

The event was canceled in 2003, 2007 and 2010, when most of the division’s paratroopers were deployed.

In recent years, an Airborne Review has been held to demonstrate airborne operations, air assaults and battle techniques with aircraft and equipment.

Officials said there are plans to incorporate the division’s “signature events” — the memorial, Hall of Fame induction and Division Run — during command change ceremonies scheduled for the summer.

Representatives of the 82nd Airborne Division Association issued a statement in support of the decision.

The association is concerned about a large number of its members being elderly and gathering in large numbers and small spaces for events and dinners scheduled throughout the week, said Bill Bauer, executive director of the association, and Gary Rezabek, national president of the association, in a joint statement.

“The decision to cancel the (All American Week) 2020 events was very hard knowing how important (the week) is to the 82nd trooper and families, but the health and welfare of the members of the association and their families is always our No. 1 concern,” Rezabek and Bauer said.

The association will contact those who registered for events to offer a refund, or to allow payments to go toward All American Week 2021 events, Rezabek and Bauer said.

Officials said the division will continue to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance to reduce spread of the virus, and support the installation commander’s guidance for quarantine and activity standards, while maintaining readiness.

“As America’s Guard of Honor, it’s important that we do our part,” Mingus said. “The best way to slow the spread of this disease is to limit contact, social distance from (each) other, rigorous hand washing habits, and by all means stay at home when you are sick.”

Staff writer Rachael Riley can be reached at rriley@fayobserver.com or 910-486-3528.