City of Concord Declares July 17 as Port Chicago Remembrance Day

Concord, CA – In honor of the 80th Anniversary of the Port Chicago explosion, Concord Mayor Edi Birsan issued a proclamation recognizing Wednesday, July 17, 2024 as "Port Chicago Remembrance Day" in the City of Concord.

The Port Chicago disaster was the largest home front catastrophe of World War II. On July 17, 1944, a massive explosion at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine killed 320 sailors and civilians, most of whom were African Americans serving in racially-segregated divisions without specialized training. "It set a spotlight on the problems that occur when you take a racist segregation concept and you apply it to the defense of your country," said Mayor Birsan. "It showed the weakness of inequality, not granting the same training to everyone, and not giving everyone equal opportunity. This led significantly to the development of the movement that we know as the civil rights movement."

In addition to remembering the lives lost and recognizing the courageous actions of the Port Chicago Sailors, "Port Chicago Remembrance Day" serves to recognize the suffering of the residents of Port Chicago, who were forced to abandon their homes through eminent domain by the U.S. Navy in 1968. The entire community faced displacement and loss, compounding the tragedy of the disaster.

The City of Concord invites all residents to join in the commemoration of this day, reflecting on the sacrifices and strides made towards equality and justice. ⋆