It is easy to forget Alaska Day in 2009, given that back in January we celebrated our 50th anniversary of statehood. But we do have a state holiday coming up, celebrating the transfer of Alaska from the Russians to the United States. The people of Sitka observe the holiday a lot better than most of us, but that is mostly because as the capital of Russian America, Sitka was where all the fun happened back in 1867.

But Alaska Day has not been forgotten completely, and ham radio operators across the state will take to the airwaves on Sunday and spread the word to the world with a special event station. The station will have a special callsign, KL5O, and ham radio operators around the world can contact any of the special event stations on the air. Successful contacts will be commemorated with a special card (a QSL card – QSL being a shorthand for confirmation).

KL5O QSL Card

Wigi Tozzi is the owner of Alaska Vacation Store, specializing in custom Alaska vacation packages, including custom Alaska winter packages, honeymoons and destination weddings.