If it sounds like World War II in Arlington tonight, there’s a good explanation for why.
The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” will be firing off massive World War II-era anti-tank guns on Fort Myer between 6-8 p.m., according to the base’s public affairs office. Up to 84 rounds will be fired in order to “obtain audio recordings of the cannon fire.”
Arlington residents can expect to hear the barrage, though the exact neighborhoods where such artillery fire is most audible varies depending on weather conditions.
More from Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall:
Esteemed Arlington County Neighbors,
Please be advised that there will be blank cannon fire on the Fort Myer side of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall
between the hours of 6 and 8 p.m.tonight, Nov. 14. The cannon fire will be shot from four 5,775-pound WWII-era anti-tank guns used during ceremonial events on base and in the region. Members from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Presidential Salute Battery will be firing up to 84 rounds at random intervals during this two-hour window. The reason for tonight’s cannon fire is so that the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” can obtain audio recordings of the cannon fire for use at upcoming performances when it isn’t feasible to have the actual guns present.For additional information, please call the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Public Affairs Office at 703-696-2976.
Thank you.
Update at 2:35 p.m. — The cannon fire is now scheduled between 5 and 6:15 p.m.
We just received word that the hours for the blank cannon fire scheduled for this evening at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall were moved back – now to take place from 5 to 6:15 p.m. While we hope that this last minute change does not cause any confusion, the good news is that the cannon fire will not occur so late in the evening. There will still be 84 rounds of cannon fire that will take place between 5 and 6:15 p.m.
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