White House greets Amateur Radio operators

QST de W1AW

ARRL Bulletin 37 ARLB037

>From ARRL Headquarters

Newington CT June 19, 2002

To all radio amateurs

President George Bush has sent his greetings to all Amateur Radio

operators, acknowledging their role in emergency communications and

in generating international good will. The White House letter comes

as hams in the US mark Amateur Radio Week June 16-23 and prepare to

participate this weekend in ARRL Field Day--an emergency

preparedness exercise.

''I salute amateur radio operators for your work on behalf of public

safety officials,'' the President said in a letter dated June 18. ''I

also commend your interest in communicating with persons in other

parts of the world and learning about other cultures and countries.

Your involvement builds understanding and goodwill around the

globe.''

For the first time, Field Day will be open to participation by

amateurs throughout the Americas and the Caribbean.

The President's letter acknowledged ham radio's ''important role in

emergency communications, assisting law enforcement personnel and

other emergency services as they carry out their responsibilities.''

ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, expressed his delight at the

presidential communication. ''I'm extremely pleased that the

president has decided to recognize the accomplishments of Amateur

Radio operators throughout America,'' he said. ''Amateur Radio is a

real asset to America, and even more so after September 11. Amateur

Radio has always played a big role in disasters and emergencies, and

I'm very proud of it.''

President Bush said First Lady Laura Bush ''joins me in sending our

best wishes.''

Governors in several states have issued proclamations designating

Amateur Radio Week or Amateur Radio Month.