Pay tribute to the military

The next Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day is due to take place on 27 May. The event is aimed at showing appreciation to people involved in the military.

Since being founded by Emery McClendon, KB9IBW, in May 2004, Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day has grown in popularity, attracting amateurs from across the world.

The idea for the appreciation day took shape after amateurs from two US radio clubs decided to hold an event during Memorial Day weekend at a local baseball stadium. Amateurs were able to set up radio stations inside and around the stadium to allow the fans a chance to say thanks to military members, and to show support to their families during the game.

The event proved a huge success with more than 25 other amateur radio groups from around the US, and seven International groups, joining in the effort. Contacts were made with several military bases, ships and foreign military units serving as part of the Coalition Forces. The following year the event was even bigger, involving over 100 locations worldwide. Troops from Iraq were on the air to listen to appreciation messages passed on by radio amateurs.

Amateur radio operators, clubs, local community members and military amateur operators are encouraged to participate in this year's Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day.

Visit www.armad.net for further information.

Source: GB2RS News - Courtesy of the RSGB