Local Ham Radio Operators Among Those Celebrating Independence Day Weekend With Special Worldwide Event
By Mark Abrams
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Radio operators in Philadelphia and beyond are celebrating this Independence Day holiday weekend "hamming it up" with a special worldwide event.
Bob Josuweit, president of the Holmesburg Amateur Radio Club, says the organization is activating ham radio call sign WM3PEN -- in honor of Pennsylvania's colonial founder William Penn.
"Ham radio operators in each of the original 13 colonies will be on the air to make contacts with other ham radio operators around the country and literally around the world to help celebrate our independence," said Josuweit.
And, Josuweit says, a special ham radio station will be activated in England to mark the connection of a native of Strabane, Ireland, who played a key role in American history.
"The birthplace of John Dunlap who is the printer of the Declaration of Independence," said Josuweit.
Josuweit says the event runs through the holiday weekend with ham radio stations operating in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and 10 other states which made up the original colonies.