That glowing light atop Mt. Diablo? You'll only see it tonight

Volunteers arrive to prepare the historic beacon for its annual lighting ceremony on Dec. 7, 2012, on the summit at Mount Diablo State Park. Volunteers arrive to prepare the historic beacon for its annual lighting ceremony on Dec. 7, 2012, on the summit at Mount Diablo State Park. Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle Image 1 of / 24 Caption Close That glowing light atop Mt. Diablo? You'll only see it tonight 1 / 24 Back to Gallery

On the same night, at the same place and time, a small group mounts the summit of Mount Diablo. Words are exchanged and the Beacon, which stays dark every night except this one, is lighted. And so it has been done for 53 years.

Tonight is that night.

Those in attendance, and those viewing that seldom-seen flicker atop Mount Diablo from lower ground, honor the individuals that lost their lives at Pearl Harbor.

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On the night of Dec. 7, 1941 – 76 years ago today – the "Eye of Mount Diablo" went dark during the West Coast Blackout, a desperate attempt to ward of another airstrike. The Beacon stayed dark until the same day in 1964, when Chester Nimitz, commander in chief of Pacific Forces during World War II, relighted the extinguished flame. Nimitz suggested the tradition be continued, and so it is.

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The honor tonight went to some of the few remaining survivors of Pearl Harbor still living in Contra Costa County.

Notes event sponsor Save Mount Diablo: "As the number of survivors has decreased over the years, the number of people attending the ceremony in honor of these heroes has increased, including many sons and daughters vital to organizing the service."

Come Friday's sunrise, the light will be extinguished once again.

The Beacon was first ignited by Charles Lindbergh in 1928 as an aid to early transcontinental aviation efforts. It is one of the last-remaining beacons from this time.

Michelle Robertson is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @mrobertsonsf.