Tuesday, May 10, is Día del Radioaficionado — Amateur Radio Operator Day — in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. According to a proclamation signed in mid-April by Puerto Rico Gov Alejandro García Padilla, the commemoration recognizes the mission of radio amateurs in safeguarding life and property, specifically through their role in emergencies and disasters, when conventional means of communication have been disrupted.

Puerto Rico is home to more than 4000 radio amateurs, who have aided “the development of the art and science of radio” as well as promoted communication and electronics education, the governor’s proclamation said.

The proclamation noted the fourth ARRL Puerto Rico State Convention, held in January in the city of Hatillo. The convention attracted more than 1300 participants, making it the largest Amateur Radio event in the Caribbean.

Gov Padilla urged the people of the Commonwealth as well as public and private entities and the media to recognize to recognize the value of the Amateur Radio operator.