Greetings to all members of the Polish-American Ham Radio Operators Society and our extended ham family!
As we approach America’s Independence Day, we invite you to take part in one of the most exciting and meaningful amateur radio events of the year — the 13 Colonies Special Event, happening from July 1st through July 7th, 2025. This is a perfect opportunity not only to enjoy the spirit of ham radio but also to honor the roots of American freedom — something many in our Polish-American community hold dear.
A Tribute to History and Freedom
The 13 Colonies Special Event commemorates the founding of the United States and the original 13 colonies that declared independence from British rule in 1776. Each colony is represented by a special event station using a unique 1×1 callsign (for example, K2A for New York, K2F for Maryland, etc.). In addition, two bonus stations — WM3PEN in Philadelphia (home of the Liberty Bell) and GB13COL in England — offer further opportunities to connect history with the hobby we all love.
The event honors the principles of freedom, independence, and perseverance — values that resonate strongly with the Polish-American experience, especially among those of us whose families also know the cost and value of independence.
A Challenge for All Operators
This is not a contest — it’s a celebration. But don’t be fooled — the challenge is real and the fun is contagious! The goal is to contact as many of the special event stations as you can. Work all 13 colonies for a “clean sweep”, and if you manage to reach the bonus stations too, it’s a true feather in your cap. A beautiful certificate is available to commemorate your participation and achievements.
Let’s Get Involved — Together!
We encourage every member of our society, from seasoned CW pros to newly licensed hams, to get on the air and participate. This is an excellent chance to practice your skills, experiment with different modes (SSB, CW, and digital), and connect with operators across the country and beyond. It’s also a great way to introduce our younger or newer members to the spirit of amateur radio and the values of teamwork and heritage.
Consider teaming up with fellow club members, organizing mini club activations, or simply logging contacts from your home station. Share your experiences, photos, and logs with the group — we’d love to highlight your efforts in our next newsletter or on our social media pages!
Event Information
📅 Dates: July 1–7, 2025
🌐 Official Website: www.13colonies.us
🎯 Goal: Contact all 13 colony stations and optional bonus stations (WM3PEN and GB13COL)
📜 Awards: Certificates available via mail request (details on the website)
Let’s honor America’s history, celebrate freedom, and showcase the strength of our Polish-American ham community by getting on the air and making some noise! This is our chance to be part of something bigger — a blend of history, culture, and ham radio spirit.
Dołóżmy wszelkich starań — Let’s do our best!
73,
Polish-American Ham Radio Operators Society
