Morse Code Day and Learn Your Name in Morse Code Day
When is Morse Code Day? Learn Your Name in Morse Code Day is always January 11. Morse Code Day is always April 27
Morse Code Day and Learn Your Name in Morse Code Day are two separate and special days. We celebrate them for similar, yet slightly different reasons. These holidays center around Samuel Morse and the communications code he created. It also celebrates the magnetic telegraph machine first used to transmit this revolutionary means of communication from one distant location to another. In 1836, Samuel Morse and his compatriots, Alford Vail, and Joseph Henry developed the code. On January 11, 1838, Samuel Morse and Alford Vail demonstrated the use of the electric telegraph to transmit a message in code for the first time.
Did You Know? SOS signals were often sent in morse code. While SOS had no specific translation, common interpretations include “save our souls” or “save our ship”.
A unique series of dots and dashes, called “dii and dah”, for each letter of the alphabet, and the numbers 0 thru 9. Long before the invention of radios and cell phones, operators used telegraph machines to send messages using this code. On the receiving end, the operator translates the code back into alphabetic characters and numbers to form the message. The message allowed for an instant, coast-to-coast communication of information over telegraph lines. Once radios arrived, this code continued to be a major means of communication. As a matter of fact, it was in use in the military, ham radios, and other means of communication for decades.
The code is in danger of disappearing as a means of communication. As of 2007, knowing it is no longer a requirement for a ham radio license.
Distinguishing the Two Holidays
Morse Code Day celebrates the invention of this code and the electric telegraph machine. This special event was established on this date to honor Samuel Morse, who was born on April 27, 1791.
Learn Your Name in Morse Code Day was created to stir up interest in morse code. As a communication tool, it is being replaced by modern technology. This special day was created to encourage people to learn and use morse code, and to keep it from disappearing altogether. Hopefully, this day will pique your interest. You can start to learn more about it by learning to communicate your name in morse code.
Trivia and Fun Facts
Use this trivia and fun facts to amaze your friends:
- Morse code is not a language. Rather, it is an electronic code to transmit language.
- The code includes letters, numbers, special characters, and punctuation.
- It was the first text message.
- The code is still in use today.
- It somewhat outmoded the Pony Express and led to its demise.
- Samuel Morse was born on April 27, 1791.
- In addition to being an inventor, Samuel Morse was an artist. Most notably, was his painting of the famous Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette. Other countries had their own version of the code in their native language.
How to Celebrate Morse Code Day
Here are some ways to enjoy both of these holidays:
- Learn about the life of Samuel Morse who developed the code.
- Learn the dots and dashes of this code.
- Use it.
Today's Quote
“If we ever forget that we were one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.” – – Ronald Reagan
History and Origin of Morse Code Day
Our research did not find the creator or the origin of Morse Code Day. We did not find out when it was first celebrated.
Learn Your Name in Morse Code Day was created in 2015 by Sheila Cicchi from Virginia. She is the owner and creator of Brownielocks.com. According to Chcchi “I figured if people started with their name, thought it was fun, it would encourage them to learn the entire alphabet and numbers.” She chose this date, as both the code and the telegraph were first demonstrated on this day in 1838.
More January 11 Holidays
Additionally, here is another holiday for you to celebrate on January 11:
More April 27 Holidays
More About Today
This Day in History – Indeed, many other important events occurred on this date. See what happened on this date in history.
Famous Birthdays – Did you ever wonder what famous people share your birth date? If so, then find out now!
Flower of the Day: Begonia
Recipe of the Day: Chocolate Truffle Cookies
Ecards Send a free Ecard daily for Morse Code Day or just about any calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Or, just for the fun of it!
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