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Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has issued a video message recognizing the important role Amateur Radio Operators play in supporting communities across the state and encouraging public awareness of Amateur Radio as\u00a0ARRL Field Day\u00a0approaches later this month. In the video, Governor Ferguson highlights the critical service radio amateurs provide with communications support during emergencies and natural disasters when traditional communications systems may be disrupted.<\/p>\n
Watch the video:\u00a0<\/b>www.youtube.com\/watch?v=vhBR9z7Q14k<\/p>\n
The Governor’s message comes as Amateur Radio Operators across the United States and Canada prepare for ARRL Field Day, June 27 \u2013 28, 2026, the largest annual on-the-air operating event in North America. Organized by\u00a0ARRL\u00a0The National Association for Amateur Radio\u00ae, Field Day has been held annually since 1933 and demonstrates amateur radio’s ability to establish reliable communications under a wide range of conditions.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring emergencies and natural disasters in Washington state, [hams] may provide one of the only forms of available communications,\u201d said Governor Ferguson. \u201cField Day is a day for the public to see this communication in action with presentations and activities for all ages.\u201d<\/p>\n
The video was developed and produced by the\u00a0Olympia Amateur Radio Society\u00a0(OARS), an ARRL Special Service Club serving the Olympia and Thurston County area. Club leaders said the goal was to create a message that radio clubs throughout Washington can use to help educate the public about Amateur Radio and encourage participation in Field Day activities.<\/p>\n
\u201cSeveral months ago, we set out to partner with Governor Bob Ferguson to produce a short but meaningful video highlighting the vital contributions Amateur Radio Operators make to Washington residents every day,\u201d said Doug Grover, N7POV, Director of Marketing and Communications for OARS. \u201cWe believe Field Day provides an excellent opportunity to amplify the message of Amateur Radio and emergency communications across our state.\u201d<\/p>\n
OARS will host its 2026 ARRL Field Day operation at Market Depot Park in Lacey, Washington, where hams will demonstrate emergency communications capabilities, offer hands-on activities for visitors, conduct license examinations, and showcase the technical and public service aspects of Amateur Radio.<\/p>\n
The Governor’s message underscores the continuing importance of Amateur Radio as a volunteer-driven communications resource that serves communities before, during, and after emergencies. As clubs nationwide prepare for Field Day 2026, the video offers another opportunity to highlight Amateur Radio’s longstanding tradition of public service, technical innovation, and community engagement.<\/p>\n
For information about the Olympia Amateur Radio Society, visit\u00a0www.olyham.org\/<\/b>.<\/p>\n
For more information about ARRL Field Day, visit\u00a0www.arrl.org\/field-day<\/b>.<\/p>\n
ARRL also encourages Amateur Radio Operators to participate in the letter writing campaign, located at\u00a0Send-A-Letter.org\/HOA<\/b>, supporting the bipartisan\u00a0Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act. The national legislation seeks to ensure that Amateur Radio Operators can install and maintain effective outdoor antennas at residences where private land-use restrictions might otherwise prohibit them, helping communities maintain resilient emergency communications capabilities during disasters.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n