Star Spangled Wake-up Call Startles Southland Residents

SEAL BEACH, CA — A sound system change was the culprit of the loud "National Anthem" wake-up call to Southland residents within five miles of the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station, it was reported.

Residents took to Nextdoor, Facebook and social media to wonder where the sound was coming from that some described as a "marching band going right through the living room," according to a report on the Orange County Register.

The Navy plays both the national anthem when the flag is raised and "Retreat" as the flag is lowered at sunset. Officials began using a sound system generally reserved for emergency broadcasts, replacing a defunct older one, on Saturday morning.

That sound system typically warns folks about impending tsunamis, fires, and high winds, they said. Nice to know it works, residents commented, and others remarked on the flood of pride that comes from patriotism.

Still, others didn't enjoy the blaring sounds of freedom.

Though it wasn't perfect, the Naval Station admitted, they are attempting to find a volume that works for the base and surrounding areas.

The Naval Weapons Station paused the playback until a happy medium was reached.

Starting on Wednesday, the anthem was played "at a lower volume," a representative from the base told Patch.

What do you think? Bothersome? Or most excellent? Let us know on your local Patch page!