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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