Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has released an official statement, designating 16-22 April 2023, as Amateur Radio Recognition Week. The proclamation coincides with World Amateur Radio Day (WARD), which is held annually on 18th April 2023.

Members of the Meriden Amateur Radio Club (MARC) pursued the proclamation with the Governor’s office.

Snyder said that his radio club, which includes amateurs from Meriden, Wallingford, and the surrounding region, participate in many outreach activities to help introduce amateur radio (ham radio) to the public. Club members support demonstrations for schools, student groups, and scouts. The club also provides communications support for the National Weather Service storm spotting program, SKYWARN®, and an annual cycling event that benefits the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. An annual scholarship is awarded to a deserving Meriden or Wallingford, Connecticut, high school senior.

Snyder also explained that amateur radio groups organize and train to provide emergency communications when disasters or other incidents damage or disrupt critical communications infrastructure, including cell towers. MARC is closely linked with the Wallingford Fire Department and the town’s Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) and holds its monthly meetings at the Wallingford Emergency Operations Center.

ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio said members of its nationwide Amateur Radio Emergency Service® include nearly 24,000 volunteers who contributed over 491,500 hours of service to their communities in 2021. The equivalent commercial value of their volunteer efforts is 14 million dollars.