The following is a message from ROC-HAM Radio Network:

Join us on April 18th for the 11th annual WORLD AMATEUR RADIO DAY as we celebrate the 101th anniversary of the formation of the IARU in Paris,France.

2026 marks the 11th year I have been putting on this special event marking the formation of the IARU in Paris, France. This event has brought together more than 6,000 contacts over the years. Never did I think for one minute I would be bringing this event to you for more than 10 years. It has been an honor to bring like minded people together and celebrate amateur radio.

Last year marked the 100th anniversary of the the formation of the IARU and this year there is a great theme. “Advancing the spirit of amateur radio through innovation.”

We have come a long way since the inception of amateur radio and the technologies used from the beginning to everything from digital modes to moon bounce to microwave. Loads of different modes of communications and all this done by like minded people using technology to advance communications via technology.

So join us once again to celebrate amateur radio. We will have a limited edition QSL card.

• World Amateur Radio Day 2026 – April 18TH – 9AM EST / 13.00 UTC

• Echolink ROC-HAM Conference Server Node 531091

• AllStar node numbers 2585, 47918, 47620

• DMR TGIF Talk Group 2585

• Extended Freedom SIP Portal 2585

• M0XSV YorkshireSVX Reflector TG2585

• We will also be on the HF bands. Go to ROC-HAM.net to find which frequency we will be on.

• 9AM-11AM – VOIP

• 11AM – ? – HF BANDS

World Amateur Radio Day 2026

IARU is very pleased to announce the theme of: “Advancing the Spirit of Amateur Radio Through Innovation.” IARU celebrated its centenary in 2025. Since its founding in Paris, France, IARU has worked tirelessly to promote innovation in amateur radio and to encourage the growth of the service in communities throughout the world.

IARU has represented the Amateur Services at international and regional regulatory bodies by relying on our volunteers who come from many countries and communities. IARU has been a sector member of the ITU since 1932 and the work of our volunteers has continued since that date with unmatched success, as was highlighted with the accomplishments at WRC-23.

During our centenary year, we should take time to reflect on the remarkable achievements of radio amateurs over the last 100 years. While the Amateur Services have been in operation for over a century, 1924 was the first year that intercontinental amateur communication became more or less commonplace. Since that time radio amateurs have made unparalleled advances in technology related to the Amateur Services that play a critical role today in sustaining world-wide communications and allow us to respond to global emergencies.

World Amateur Radio Day is an opportunity to reflect on our achievements since 1924. We should celebrate our diverse community and the advances and innovations we have made as we look forward to celebrating the IARU centenary next year.

Source: ROC-HAM Radio Network