NORAD marks 50 years in May
24 Mar 2008
The North American Aerospace Defence Command, more famously known by its acronym NORAD, will celebrate its 50th anniversary in May this year. An alliance between the US and Canadian Air Force to guard North American airspace became official on 12 May 1958.
It recedes from public memory, until Christmas time when it begins to track Santa Claus' flight across the northern skies, much to the delight of children and parents.
In recent times it drew heavy criticism for its performance during the 11 September 2001 attacks on US civilian and defence facilities.
To celebrate the anniversary, NORAD has a host of events planned to run throughout the year starting with the 12 May Golden Jubilee Ball in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Over 50,000 people have served in the NORAD command over the years.
