I am pleased to add to the growing list of official recognition of amateur radio clubs in the United States with this Virginia House Joint Resolution Number 677 "Commending the Vienna Wireless Society, Inc."
WHEREAS, in 2023, the Vienna Wireless Society, Inc., one of the largest and most active amateur
radio clubs in Northern Virginia, celebrates its 60th anniversary of providing communications and
emergency response support to organizations and individuals in the Northern Virginia area; and
WHEREAS, the Vienna Wireless Society (VWS) was established in 1963 and is affiliated with the
American Radio Relay League, a nonprofit organization that is the largest membership association of
amateur radio enthusiasts in the United States; and
WHEREAS, the licensed amateur radio operators of the VWS are dedicated to serving the public and
promoting the art of radio in the Northern Virginia area and throughout the nation; and
WHEREAS, the VWS has a continuous program of radio-related activities and public service resting
on three main pillars, including scientific, technological, and educational activities; recreational operating
activities; and emergency service activities; and
WHEREAS, the VWS is an effective and reliable organization that is capable of providing
multimode communications for the agencies it serves during emergencies, disasters, and public events;
and
WHEREAS, the VWS has provided communications support to many local events in Northern
Virginia over the years, such as the Marine Corps Marathon and James Madison High School Turkey
Trot races, and this service continues to be a vital part of its mission; and
WHEREAS, the VWS has provided support to local Boy Scouts of America troops to expand their
knowledge and proficiency of amateur radio practices; and
WHEREAS, the VWS encourages people interested in becoming amateur radio operators to sign up
for beginner classes and to take tests for federal amateur radio operator's certifications; and
WHEREAS, the VWS radio repeaters K4HTA and K4XY support major events, such as presidential
inaugurations in coordination with the United States Department of Homeland Security; when an
emergency is declared, either one or both of the repeaters may be dedicated for use by the Fairfax
County Amateur Radio Emergency Service and the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the Vienna Wireless Society,
Inc., hereby be commended on the occasion of its 60th anniversary; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution
for presentation to the Vienna Wireless Society, Inc., as an expression of the General Assembly's
admiration and respect for its many services to the Northern Virginia region.
# # #
The Vienna Wireless Society is planning on having Delegate Murphy and/or Senator Favola to present the resolution to the club at our April meeting. I will be sending them the invite soon.
73,
John Higi, W4FSO
Public Information Officer
Vienna Wireless Society
Vienna, Virginia