Saturday, March 15, 2014

America’s amateur radio operators15.12.1964

U.S. 5¢ Amateur Radio stamp honours America’s amateur radio operators, of which there were about 250,000 in 1964. Issued on the 50th anniversary of the founding of the American Radio Relay League, it pictures a radio broadcast wave and radio dial. The stamp was released on December 15, 1964 at Anchorage in Alaska.

Amateur Radio Operators Provide Emergency Communications. On March 28, 1964, the largest earthquake in the history of the United States struck Alaska, greatly damaging Anchorage, Valdez, and the surrounding areas. The earthquake, which measured 8.3 or higher on the Richter scale, caused widespread destruction. In conjunction with the ensuing tsunami (tidal wave) it caused, the quake took 125 lives.

This U.S. postage stamp specifically honors the Amateur Radio Relay League for its important work during the devastating 1964 Alaska earthquake. In the aftermath of this natural disaster, amateur radio operators provided essential emergency communications, which greatly aided relief and rescue operations. Amateur radio operators, often referred to as “hams,” continue to serve during emergency situations, especially in places with such sparsely populated areas as Alaska.

Thank you Merja.

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