[CC-ARES-RACES] White House Greets Amateur Radio Operators

Wed, 19 Jun 2002 20:27:56 -0400

Thanks to SMARC and Jack for sharing..

----------------Original Message------------------------
Subject:   [SMARC] ~ White House Greets Amateur Radio Operators
    Date:   Wed, 19 Jun 2002 19:53:47 -0400
    From:   Jack Van Gilder <[email protected]>

http://www.remote.arrl.org/news/stories/2002/06/19/2/?nc=1

White House Greets Amateur Radio Operators

NEWINGTON, CT, Jun 19, 2002--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 17-23 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 today.
"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.