In a joint resolution released on April 14, the Maine House and Senate recognized the nearly 5000 licensed ham radio operators in Maine and their service to the state. The resolution proclaimed April 18 Amateur Radio Day in the state. April 18 was also World Amateur Radio Day, marking the 86th anniversary of the founding of International Amateur Radio Union (IARU).

 “At times of emergency or natural disasters, Amateur Radio is often the only dependable way to communicate locally or nationally. Amateurs volunteer their equipment and time to provide this service,” read the resolution. It also cited various Maine events where amateurs have assisted organizers, such as the Dempsey Challenge, the Trek Across Maine, the Beacon to Breakers Road Race, the Maine Forest Rally, the MS Walks, the Loon Echo Bike Trek, the Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race, the Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Races and the World Biathlon Championship.

A delegation of Maine hams accompanied ARRL Maine Section Manager Bill Woodhead, N1KAT, to the Capitol Building on April 16 to receive the document. A copy was also sent to the IARU Secretariat in Newington, Connecticut; since the founding of the IARU in 1925, the ARRL has served the IARU in this capacity.

The resolution was sponsored by State Representative Tom Winsor, KA1LUN, and State Senator Earle McCormick. In reading the proclamation, Senate President Kevin Raye noted that his late father had been a ham radio operator for many years.