Several states, counties, and communities across the US have officially recognized the public contributions of Amateur Radio, in advance of ARRL Field Day on June 25-26.

Michigan Gov Rick Snyder cited Amateur Radio’s role as “a bridge between peoples, societies, and countries, by creating friendships and the sharing of ideas,” in proclaiming June 20-26 as “Amateur Radio Week.” Snyder cited Amateur Radio’s voluntary community service and its role in emergencies and disasters.

Minnesota Gov Mark Dayton proclaimed June 25-26 as “Amateur Radio Operator Recognition Days. The proclamation notes that the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES and Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) have been trained to provide effective emergency communication and support. “During times of national, state, and local emergency, and for community and public events, Amateur Radio operators have provided communication resources at no cost,” the proclamation said. It also cites weather spotting and reporting activities through the SKYWARN program, and ham radio educational activities.

Missouri Gov Jay Nixon declared the month of June as “Amateur Radio Month in Missouri.” Nixon recognized radio amateurs for contributing “countless hours of uncompensated community service” for public events, as well as support to governmental and nongovernmental organizations in times of emergency.

Oklahoma Gov Mary Fallin proclaimed the week of June 20 as Amateur Radio Week and urged all Oklahomans recognize Amateur Radio’s public service contributions. The proclamation noted that Field Day was a chance for hams to hone their emergency preparedness skills.

New Mexico Gov Susana Martinez recognized June 25-26 as “Amateur Radio Field Day.” Her proclamation cited Amateur Radio’s role in emergency and public service communication. “By continuous learning and experimentation, Amateur Radio operators have helped forward the science of electronics and radio-related communications,” the proclamation said, “and, by example, teaching and practical experience, including the opportunity to communicate with amateurs in space…”

Texas Gov Greg Abbott proclaimed June 20-26 as “Amateur Radio Operator Week” in the Lone Star State. “I encourage all Texans to learn more about Amateur Radio and to recognize the many contributions Amateur Radio operators make to our great state,” Abbott said. “In times of crisis and in times of calm, ham radio operators’ commitment to community remains steadfast.”

Florida Gov Rick Scott declared June 20-26 as “Amateur Radio Week in Florida,” calling Amateur Radio “a critical communication link in the event of a disaster” and recognizing the support that Florida’s radio amateurs provide in times of emergency, including their role as SKYWARN weather spotters, as well as during various community events.

Echoing the state proclamation, some individual Florida communities released their own statements of recognition for Amateur Radio. The Town of Jupiter declared June 22-26 as “Amateur Radio Week.” A proclamation signed by Mayor Todd Wodraska pointed out the State’s recognition of Amateur Radio’s communication support in emergencies and public service events. City of Lake Worth Mayor Pam Triolo also declared June 20-26 as “Amateur Radio Week, in recognition of Amateur Radio’s role in emergency and public service communication, and points to Field Day as a 24-hour emergency preparedness exercise and demonstration of skills and readiness to provide self-supporting communications without further infrastructure. The City of Palm Beach Gardens, in a proclamation signed by Mayor Marcie Tinsley, also declared June 20-26 as Amateur Radio Week,” noting that radio amateurs are celebrating more than a century “of the miracle of the human voice broadcast over the airwaves.”

In neighboring Georgia, the City of Jackson proclaimed June 20-26 as “Amateur Radio Week” in the municipality. A proclamation signed by Mayor Kay Pippin pointed to Amateur Radio’s “countless hours of community service both in emergencies and to other organizations throughout [the] decades.” Mayor Pippin pointed out that ham radio operators are highly skilled volunteers who receive no compensation for their efforts on the public’s behalf. Invitations to visit the Butts County ARES Field Day operation were extended to the mayor, Council, and visitors.

On the opposite coast, the Board of Supervisors of Ventura County, California, proclaimed June as “Amateur Radio Month.” The statement recognized Amateur Radio’s contribution in terms of emergency communication, advanced communications technology, and educational opportunities to prospective licensees. The proclamation declared that ARES volunteers in Ventura County “stand ready to provide their own equipment and apply their training and skills at no charge during events such as earthquakes, fires, and floods.” ARRL Santa Barbara Section Manager Jim Fortney, K6IYK, invited Board members to attend Field Day operations at three locations in Ventura County.