[OKDXA] Presidential Acknowledgement

[Dave]

 SB QST @ ARL $ARLB037
 ARLB037 White House greets Amateur Radio operators
 
 ZCZC AG37
 QST de W1AW  
 ARRL Bulletin 37  ARLB037
 From ARRL Headquarters  
 Newington CT  June 19, 2002
 To all radio amateurs 
 
 SB QST ARL ARLB037
 ARLB037 White House greets Amateur Radio operators
 
 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.
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