This year marks the 63rd year that North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) will track Santa as he makes his trip around the globe.
According to The Washington Post, NORAD began tracking Santa in 1955 after there was a misprint in the local paper listing Santa’s phone number. The number, off by just one digit, according to The Post, happened to be the direct line to “the red phone” of Colonel Harry Shoup and a four-star general at the Pentagon.
The article went on to say that, while Shoup attempted to maintain his stern demeanor with the caller, he could not help but play the part of Santa to the small teary-eyed child on the other end of the line. The call reportedly was later followed by a joke from his troops that would lead Shoup to call a local radio station reporting “CONAD had picked up unidentified incoming, possible North Pole origin, distinctly sleigh-shaped.” The rest is NORAD history.
As a partial government shutdown loomed this week, NORAD responded on Twitter concerning its tracking of Santa’s path.
“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 United States Air Force sent this Tweet out earlier today:
“Roger Santa the skies are clear. Watch as the U.S. Air Force escorts Santa as he delivers toys throughout the world.”
Follow Santa here or on Twitter @NoradSanta.
Read the full Washington Post story here.
