Title: Inside NORAD’s Holiday Command: A Unique Blend of Military Tradition and Christmas Cheer The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has been protecting the skies over North America since its inception, but every December, it takes on a unique mission – tracking Santa Claus. This holiday tradition began by accident in 1955 when a Colorado Springs newspaper misprinted a phone number for children to call Santa and instead connected them with NORAD’s operations line. Col. Harry Shoup decided to play along, thus starting an annual military tradition that continues today. The Santa Tracker has evolved into a global phenomenon attracting millions of online visitors and calls from over 200 countries every year. It showcases the same radar systems used for monitoring potential threats such as Russian bombers or North Korean missile launches, now tuned to follow Santa’s sleigh on its high-speed journey from the North Pole. This unique blend of military tradition and Christmas cheer serves not only as a fun activity for children worldwide but also helps foster goodwill between nations during what can often be tense times in international relations. It demonstrates that even amidst serious responsibilities, there is room for light-heartedness and celebration of shared values across borders. From my perspective, the significance of NORAD’s Santa Tracker lies not only in its entertaining aspect but also in how it brings people together during the holiday season. It serves as a reminder that despite our differences, we share common traditions and values that transcend political boundaries. Moreover, it highlights the importance of maintaining open lines of communication even when dealing with potentially hostile situations – something that is particularly relevant today given global tensions. In conclusion, NORAD’s Santa Tracker stands out as a unique example of how military tradition can blend seamlessly with holiday cheer to create an engaging and meaningful experience for millions around the world. It serves not only as entertainment but also as a powerful symbol of unity and goodwill during what is often a challenging time in international relations.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.foxnews.com/politics/inside-norads-holiday-command-how-same-team-tracks-santa-guards-north-america)
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