18,000 soldiers kick off All American Week at Fort Bragg

About 18,000 paratroopers celebrated the start of All American Week at Fort Bragg with a four-mile run Monday morning.

All American Week is a celebratory event leading up to Memorial Day weekend that includes sporting events, special exhibitions and social gatherings for 82nd Airborne Division soldiers and veterans at Fort Bragg. The event, which runs through May 23, is themed "Jumping Into History" to commemorate the division's 75th anniversary of the D-Day, Normandy and Market Garden combat jumps during World War 2.

The festivities carry special significance for both veteran soldiers and those currently serving, in addition to family members and friends.

Monday's celebratory Division Run kicks off a four-day schedule of events. Gilbert Baez rode alongside the paratroopers on Monday, wearing a GoPro helmet to provide a live look at the run.

Other planned competitions include a family fun run, combatives and a boxing tournament, a chef competition, a 10-mile road race, a marksmanship tournament and a color guard competition. Scheduled athletic tournaments include flag football, softball, basketball, soccer, volleyball and tug-of-war.

On Wednesday, a memorial ceremony will pay tribute to our fallen paratroopers and Gold Star Families, or families who lost a loved one in military service.

All American Week concludes Thursday with a parachute demonstration by the Golden Knights, equipment displays and a performance by the All American Chorus.

The events are open to the public.