The 84th commemoration of the Doolittle Raiders, originally scheduled for this Saturday, April 25 in Columbia, has been canceled.
Organizers made the decision to cancel citing last-minute logistical issues that would not make for a quality experience. Organizers say the decision was made with great care and only after every reasonable path was explored.
The 84th commemoration will not be rescheduled. Instead, organizers have shifted their focus to the 85th anniversary. Conversations are already underway, organizers add, to ensure next year's event reflects the significant milestone and legacy of the Raiders.
The Doolittle Raid took place on April 18, 1942—marking America's first retaliation against Japan after the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.
Columbia Army Air Base, now Columbia Metropolitan Airport, served as the first training site for the mission. The 17th Bombardment Group first trained at the base before heading to Florida to maintain operational secrecy.