Amateur Radio operators who are members of the American Legion will honor the military services and their fellow veterans in a special on-the-air tribute on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11. Members of The American Legion Amateur Radio Club (TALARC) will be on the air as W9L from 1400 until 2100 UTC, from American Legion national headquarters in Indianapolis. Radio amateurs who contact the station or shortwave listeners who monitor it are eligible to receive an attractive full-color commemorative certificate.

“Veterans Day is more than just a holiday. It is a time for all Americans to recognize the honorable nature of military service and the men and women who have sacrificed so much in defending our nation through the years,” said TALARC President Marty Justis, W9WMJ. “This special event operation serves to underscore the importance of Veterans Day via the Amateur Radio community, to salute the men and women who have served our country honorably in uniform, and to recognize the contributions of so many military personnel.”

Justis also cited the contributions of MARS (Military Auxiliary Radio System) members, who arranged phone-patches that allowed soldiers in war zones, at sea, and in other overseas locations to speak directly with their families back home, especially in the pre-Internet era of the Korean and Vietnam wars.

While the Internet has changed things, Justis said, Amateur Radio still assists communities in many other ways, primarily in the event of emergencies and disasters. “Many of The American Legion Amateur Radio Club’s 2000 members are committed to emergency preparedness as well as promoting the hobby, art and science of Amateur Radio to young and old alike,” he said.

Special event station W9L will be on 20 meters SSB, 14.275 MHz ±5 kHz, IRLP Node 4816, or in Central Indiana to 146.46 MHz simplex or the 145.17 MHz repeater in Hamilton County.To receive a certificate send a 9 × 12 self-addressed, stamped-envelop to The American Legion Amateur Radio Club, 700 N Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN 46204.