Hanscom dorm residents join global community, observe Earth Hour

  • Published
  • By Meredith March
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Hanscom's dorm residents invite the Hanscom community to join them - along with millions of people in hundreds of cities around the world -- in switching off their lights and electrical appliances from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. March 28, in support of Earth Hour.

Earth Hour is an annual, global event designed to unify citizens of the world who have committed to slow the effects of climate change, according to the event's Web site, www.worldwildlife.org/sites/earthhour. More than 250 cities, including Chicago, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Shanghai, Mexico City and Moscow have committed their support.

"Earth Hour symbolizes that by working together, each of us can make a positive impact in the fight against climate change," the site states. "Here in the U.S., it sends a message that Americans care about this issue and stand with the rest of the world in seeking to find solutions to the escalating climate crisis."

To mark the occasion, the base's dorm residents encourage members of the Hanscom community to turn off the power in their homes, pick up flashlights and towels and meet at the gazebo behind the dorms at 8 p.m. for an enjoyable and educational event, said Airman 1st Class Latoya Walker, 66th Security Forces Squadron. Participants will enjoy brief seminars regarding energy conservation and financial planning, in addition to games of tug-of-war and Twister, a water balloon toss, low-crawl race, two-legged race and volleyball and spades tournaments, she said.

"The purpose of this event is to inspire people and make them aware that we can change the Earth's fragile state if everyone works together," Airman Walker said. "Here at Hanscom, our mission is to provide new electronic systems worldwide, so in what better way can we make a difference than by setting an example Air Force-wide? When we all do a little, we are helping the world a whole lot."

For more information call (781) 377-2315 or email Latoya.Walker@hanscom.af.mil.