By Joel Carrazana Valdés (CO6JC)

Information System, Federación de Radioaficionados de Cuba (FRC) 

April 18 of every year marks the commemoration of the World Amateur Radio Day. It was on that day in 1925 that IARU was founded. The motto for this event in 2021 will be “Amateur Radio: home, but never alone”.

The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) has among its objectives the protection and promotion of amateur radio within the framework of regulations of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and, besides, providing support to Member Societies in the pursuit of these objectives at the national level. It is a forum to discuss matters common to its associates and represents the interests of all radio amateurs worldwide.

As every year, radio amateurs throughout the world will be on the air to celebrate the contributions of amateur radio to society. In 2021, there is a special topic, the international effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has already claimed the lives of millions of people and, once again, amateur radio is present to contribute as necessary to prevent or mitigate the damages provoked by this terrible virus.

To materialize this objective, IARU R‑2 proposes that Member Societies pay attention to this topic and disseminate it sufficiently among members of the entire continent, through all possible means, to encourage as many stations as possible to be on the air this next Sunday, April 18, both in HF and VHF.

The programming of on-the-air activities for April 18 to contribute to the creation of a favorable environment on the air, such as special nets to commemorate “World Amateur Radio Day”, where the objectives of the IARU are highlighted, is advisable.

From our homes, radio amateurs throughout the world, amid the measures aimed at fighting and preventing the proliferation of the pandemic, can maintain a growing radio activity this April 18 and show the world the importance of amateur radio.

Congratulations to all!

Also available in Español (Spanish).