One of the season's most popular HF operating events here in the US is honoring its founder as he steps away from 16 years at its helm. Mark Abramowicz NT3V has the details…

If you haven’t heard of the 13 Colonies Special Event or heard stations calling in the annual activity between July 1 and July 8, you have missed a unique opportunity to celebrate the history of the US and mark the American Revolution.
Ken Villone, KU2US, who conceived the idea of activating stations in the 13 original colonies, is going into semi-retirement.
Villone is passing on the responsibility for event coordination to Tony James N4ATJ, of McAdenville, North Carolina, long-time 13 Colonies coordinator for his home state's K2J station, Villone will remain involved as the New York state coordinator for K2A.
Bob Josuweit, WA3PZO, who joined Villone more than a dozen years ago in his passion to promote American history via an amateur radio special event, is helping to ensure a smooth transition.
Josuweit is coordinator for WM3PEN, a bonus station that recognizes Philadelphia’s role as the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence.
Josuweit said that in its first year, the event recorded some 12,000 QSOs. That grew to a breathtaking 292,426 contacts in 2024. It also attracted operators who now run bonus stations in Great Britain GB13COL and France TM13COL, recognizing the role the two countries played in America's war for independence.
This year’s 13 Colonies certificate will recognize the work Villone has done to make the event so popular. Villone, however, shared a different perspective on why the event is such a success. In an email sent recently to all hams involved, he wrote: “I just only started this event and I tried to keep it going. But it was you folks who also through your participation and dedication managing your states and special bonus stations (Philadelphia, England and France) that made this whole thing work!”