The Pearl Harbor Survivors now know that the Beacon will shine long after they are gone.

The Beacon now shines brighter than ever since it underwent an extensive restoration process in 2013 (thanks to a campaign led by Save Mount Diablo) to ensure it continues to shine for many more years. Since that day, Pearl Harbor veterans and their families have gathered every December 7th to see the Beacon light shine once again. It stayed dark until Pearl Harbor Day in 1964, when Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, Commander in Chief of Pacific Forces during World War II, relit the Beacon in a commemorative ceremony and suggested it be illuminated every December 7th to honor those who served and sacrificed. It is one of the four guiding beacons installed along the west coast by Standard Oil of California and is the only one known to still be operational.Īfter the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Beacon’s light was extinguished during the west coast blackout, for fear it could enable an attack on California. The Beacon on Mount Diablo was originally installed and illuminated in 1928 to aid in transcontinental aviation. The ceremony is also an opportunity to honor the survivors. “The Beacon lighting is a tribute to those individuals that lost their lives at Pearl Harbor,” remarked Earl “Chuck” Kohler, one of the few remaining survivors in Contra Costa County. Then Frank Dorritie of Bugles Across America will perform “Taps.”

A performance of “America the Beautiful” by Erin Hegerty will follow. Pearl Harbor survivors in attendance will also be invited to speak. Robert Phelps, PhD, Executive Director of California State University, East Bay Concord Campus will then be invited to speak. The program begins with the posting of colors, pledge of allegiance, and national anthem, followed by opening remarks by Ted Clement, Executive Director of Save Mount Diablo and then ceremonial observations by Eddie Guaracha, Diablo Range District Superintendent for California State Parks. The outdoor ceremony will commence at 3:45 PM. Viewing of the new USS Arizona exhibit at the CSUEB Concord Campus will be available from 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM as well as 45 minutes post ceremony. The California State University system requires all campus visitors to be vaccinated or have a valid exemption. Weather permitting, the ceremony will be held outdoors at the California State University, East Bay Concord Campus, at 4700 Ygnacio Valley Road in Concord. We invite you to attend the ceremony to pay tribute to the lives that were lost and honor our surviving veterans of Pearl Harbor. This event is co-sponsored by Save Mount Diablo California State Parks California State University, East Bay Concord Campus and the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors, Chapter 5. WALNUT CREEK, CA-On December 7th, Mount Diablo’s Beacon will be relit by survivors of Pearl Harbor.

National pearl harbor remembrance day.