Greetings.
Below is from this year's ARRL Field Day package:
- Dear Field Day Participant:
The Amateur Service has as one of its Part 97.1 purposes “the continuation and extension of the amateur's unique ability to enhance international goodwill.” We are more than casual observers or bystanders on this global stage – we are participants in that magical playground. And I am proud to say:
- I’m a Ham – My Playground Is The World!
At times, the focus of the Amateur Radio community is rightfully on how we can work with our towns and communities by providing Public Service and Emergency Communications. However, deep down anyone who has picked up a microphone, tapped out a callsign on a brass key, or descrambled a digital Baudot or PSK-31, understands there is fun here. That fun knows no borders. The thrill of the chase of adding new states, countries or grid squares to our WAS/DXCC/VUCC totals underscores that when we play “radio” we are there in large part to enjoy our hobby.
That is just one of the messages we find in ARRL Field Day. Each year tens of thousands of participants bring an element of fun with them as they combine the public service aspects of the Amateur Service with the experimental nature our hobby. As they build relationships with served agencies and local officials at Field Day sites across the US and Canada – and beyond – they learn new skills as they make or renew friendships both on and off the air.
In 2009, contest logs were submitted by a record 2,642 clubs, groups and individuals across the US and Canada to the ARRL Contest Branch. These logs showed participation by 37,592 individuals and over 1.36 million QSOs were reported during the brief 24-hours of the event.
As you prepare for what many consider the best “total Amateur Radio” experience of the year, keep in mind the old adage – “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” Let your “inner child” out as you embrace ARRL Field Day 2010 [Concentrate on your breath as you breathe in and out through your nose and become one with the code]. Do something new this year… Build a different antenna… Try one of the newer digital modes… Operate on a band that you rarely utilize… Serve as a coach for your club… Show some neighbors what this “radio” thing is all about… Organize a Scout or Youth Group visit to your club’s set-up… The borders of your mind only limit the list. But then again – is there a limit? After all – OUR Playground Is The World!
Field Day is just around the corner - 26 & 27 June with setup starting at 2:00pm on Friday, 25 June. We hope you'll join us and share the fun!
73
2010 Field Day Committee
