NORAD tracks Santa despite government shutdown

Source: Washington Examiner | December 24, 2018 | Daniel Chaitin

The North American Aerospace Defense Command is tracking Santa this year as it has for decades despite a partial government shutdown.

Last week the official Twitter account of NORAD and the U.S. Northern Command announced that the annual tradition will continue Monday — Christmas Eve — with the help of 1,500 volunteers regardless of gridlock over government funding in Washington.

“In the event of a government shutdown, NORAD will continue with its 63-year tradition of NORAD Tracks Santa on Dec. 24. Military personnel who conduct NORAD Tracks Santa are supported by approximately 1,500 volunteers who make the program possible each and every year,” the Friday tweet said.

NORAD is a joint U.S.-Canadian command that works to defend air sovereignty of North America and protect the continent against aerospace threats.

But on Christmas Eve every year, NORAD sets its sights on the location of Santa’s sleigh — a tradition that started after a 1955 newspaper ad mistakenly gave the hotline for the Continental Air Defense Command as the number for children trying to reach Santa.

The Air Force sent a festive tweet Monday morning, saying the skies are clear for Santa and shared a video showing how the U.S. military branch “escorts” Santa as he delivers toys to children throughout the world.

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