WHEREAS,  because it uses an international natural resource, the radio spectrum, amateur radio must organize nationally and internationally for better mutual use of the radio spectrum among radio amateurs throughout the world; and

WHEREAS,  amateur radio communication has evolved from crude sparkgap technology to true digital communication, integrating the use of computers and radio to communicate locally as well as worldwide; and

WHEREAS,  on April 18, 1925, the International Amateur Radio Union was founded, which illustrates how international cooperation and communication are hallmarks of amateur radio; and

WHEREAS,  the International Amateur Radio Union has given amateur radio a voice in developing international agreements that allow amateurs to communicate over international borders; and

WHEREAS,  there are more than 3,000,000 amateur radio operators worldwide, with more than 730,000 in the United States and more than 5,000 in the State of Maine; and

WHEREAS,  each year on April 18th, amateur radio operators throughout the world celebrate World Amateur Radio Day and sponsor special events to promote and publicize amateur radio; and

WHEREAS,  this year's theme is "Amateur Radio: The First Technology-based Social Network"; and

WHEREAS,  amateur radio is a licensed service that may be used only among licensees and only for noncommercial use and, at times of emergency or natural disasters, is often the only dependable way to communicate locally or internationally; and

WHEREAS,  amateur radio operators volunteer their equipment and time to provide this valuable service and Maine amateur radio operators routinely provide public service communications for such events as the Dempsey Challenge, the Trek Across Maine, the Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race, the New England Forest Rally, the Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race, the Tour de Cure, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society walkathons, the CanAm Crown International Sled Dog Race, the Loon Echo Bike Trek and the World Biathlon Championship; now, therefore, be it