Special Theme Announced for World Amateur Radio Day 2021

SARL News reports the IARU Administrative Council has chosen 'Amateur Radio: Home but Never Alone' as the theme for World Amateur Radio Day on Sunday 18th April 2021

Faced with a pandemic that forced the adoption of extreme physical isolation to reduce the spread of the virus, the worldwide amateur radio community responded positively to overcome the resulting social isolation.

In the days and weeks following the onset of the pandemic radio amateurs reached out spontaneously to one another via the airwaves at the local, national and global levels. Local “wellness nets” provided friendly voices and regular status checks to those, especially the elderly, who are confined to their homes. “Stay safe” special event stations in dozens of countries reminded us all of the importance of limiting the spread of the virus. On-the-air activity was at an unprecedented level throughout the rest of 2020, with record-breaking numbers of entries in the major contests.

While the development of effective vaccines offers hope for a return to some semblance of normality later in 2021, the pandemic will still be with us when we mark World Amateur Radio Day 2021. This theme offers the opportunity for our Member Societies to tailor meaningful messages to the general public about the values of the global amateur radio community.

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No Physical Attendees at SEA-PAC

SEA-PAC, designated as the 2021 ARRL Northwestern Division Convention, will not take place as an in-person gathering this June.

“The SEA-PAC Executive Committee has been closely monitoring the continuing COVID-19 pandemic situation and has determined that the safest course of action for all is to cancel the 2021 in-person event. This decision was based on the uncertainties of more COVID outbreaks, vaccine availability to all, and the probable social distancing requirements. But most important, it is based on our genuine concern for the health and safety of you, the attendees, vendors, and presenters. We firmly believe that providing our ham radio community with a safe and quality convention experience is paramount.”

— SEA-PAC 2021 Chair John Bucsek, KE7WNB

Bucsek said the SEA-PAC Committee is exploring alternative online and on-air activities and will announce further details as they become available.

“We look forward to hosting you again in Seaside, Oregon, on 3-5th June 2022,” Bucsek said.

Ham-Com Event to Close

After 41 years, Ham-Com has decided to close its doors due to the difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising costs of putting on a show.

“The decision was not made lightly, but the safety and wellness of our volunteers, vendors, clubs, presenters, and attendees is our paramount concern”

— Ham-Com President Bill Nelson, AB5QZ

Ham-Com has been held each June at the Plano Event Center in Plano, Texas.

“We sincerely thank each and every person for their support over the past years. This starts with clubs who have participated in offering forums, transmitter sessions, VE sessions, talk-ins, and many more things through the years.”

— Ham-Com President Bill Nelson, AB5QZ

Nelson also expressed appreciation for the vendors, volunteers, and visitors.

“Ham-Com is proud to contribute to bringing people together to enjoy this passion. We will definitely miss this gathering of the broader community. “Our thoughts and best wishes to you and your families.”