[SFDXA] “Get on the Air on World Amateur Radio Day”

[Bill]

“Get on the Air on World Amateur Radio Day” Special Event: Saturday, 
April 18

For Immediate release:

https://www.rac.ca/get-on-the-air-on-world-amateur-radio-day-event/

On Saturday, April 18, 2020 (1200Z to 2359Z), Radio Amateurs of Canada 
is organizing a special on-air event to celebrate World Amateur Radio Day.

Every year on April 18, Radio Amateurs worldwide take to the airwaves in 
celebration of Amateur Radio and to commemorate the formation of the 
International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) on April 18, 1925.

World Amateur Radio Day is the day when IARU Member-Societies can show 
our capabilities to the public and promote global friendship among 
Amateurs worldwide.

The theme of World Amateur Radio Day (WARD) is “Celebrating Amateur 
Radio’s contribution to Society” and this is especially relevant given 
the important role Amateur Radio will play as the current global crisis 
unfolds.

IARU President Tim Ellam, VE6SH, provided the following message:

“As I write this the world is in the midst of battling the COVID-19 
crisis. A few short weeks ago many of us could not imagine the levels of 
isolation that we are now dealing with and the sacrifices of many on the 
frontlines of the pandemic. As we have done in past challenges to our 
society, Amateur Radio will play a key part in keeping people connected 
and assisting those who need support.

Having come off my own 14-day isolation after returning from an overseas 
trip, I am touched by the kindness of strangers who assisted me when I 
was unable to leave my house. It strikes me Amateur Radio operators, who 
give so much during these times of crisis, are not limited to assisting 
over the air. Amateurs are true volunteers and I would encourage 
everyone to assist in the community as they are able to.

My wish for this World Amateur Radio Day is for everyone to stay safe, 
follow the advice of medical professionals and use Amateur Radio and 
your skills to help us through this crisis.”

Radio Amateurs of Canada has decided to hold a new “Get on the Air on 
World Amateur Radio Day” special event in which we encourage as many 
Amateurs as possible to get on the air and contact as many RAC stations 
as possible.


     RAC official stations will operate across Canada from 1200Z to 
2359Z on April 18. The RAC official station call signs are VA2RAC, 
VA3RAC, VE1RAC, VE4RAC, VE5RAC, VE6RAC, VE7RAC, VE8RAC, VE9RAC, VO1RAC, 
VO2RAC, VY0RAC, VY1RAC and VY2RAC.
     Those contacting one or more of these stations will be eligible for 
a special commemorative certificate noting their participation in RAC’s 
Get on the Air on World Amateur Radio Day Event.


Note: Starting at 1800Z, VA3RAC will be active in the Ontario QSO Party 
and will be sending the contest exchange. Stations contacting VA3RAC 
after 1800Z are encouraged to send their contest exchange in return 
(state/province/country or Ontario county).

For more information on World Amateur Radio Day and the special event 
please visit:

https://www.rac.ca/operating/world-amateur-radio-day-april-18/


Glenn MacDonell, VE3XRA
President, Radio Amateurs of Canada