Great Los Angeles Air raid 2010

Air raid sirens were sounded throughout Los Angeles County on the night of 24 - 25 February 1942. A total blackout was ordered and thousands of air raid wardens were summoned to their positions. At 3:16 a.m. the 37th Coast Artillery Brigade began firing 12.8-pound anti-aircraft shells into the air at reported aircraft; over 1,400 shells would eventually be fired. Pilots of the 4th Interceptor Command were alerted but their aircraft remained grounded. The artillery fire continued sporadically until 4:14 a.m. The "all clear" was sounded and the blackout order lifted at 7:21 a.m. (from Wikipedia.)

An important part of Los Angeles history the "Great Los Angeles Air Raid" seen above is a testament to the nervousness Americans felt going into World War 2. Today The event is a reason to celebrate. On the Weekend Nearest the anniversary date Angelenos get all dressed up just like it was 1942 And Head to Fort MacArthur, a gun emplacement On the Coast of San Pedro that lit up the sky during the 1942 "Raid" . The event begins at noon and continues through the day with Military exhibits,reenactments, and a live band playing the top 40 hits leading up to February 1942.

After night fall the Air Raid sirens are sounded and attendees look for cover as once again the searchlights comb the sky. when the "Target" is spotted the guns come to life firing blanks and fireworks at the imaginary enemy.

This year CDHA enlisted the help of Johnn Collver's Marine Corps. SNJ-5 to add a new dimension to the festivities. It was a huge success adding the aerial element.

Have a look at the photos and check out the website.
www.theairraid.com