Straight Key Night represents many things to many people. Like everyone, it is the beginning of a new year. It is the anniversary of my very first QSO on January 1, 2000 and my becoming a ham now 19 years ago. With my fist keeping my key active and warm, there is no place I would rather be! 

It is also a sacred day. Operating with a straight key on 80 meter CW is where you will often find me. In the beginning, I taught myself CW using my Technician Plus HF privileges on or around 3700 kHz. Now you will find me on 3559 kHz or so still using my blessed Heathkit HW-16 with matching HG-10B VFO. 

My Heathkit was a present from my parents back in 1968. With my Dad's watchful eye over my shoulder, I assembled my HW-16 and it worked the first time I tried it! 51 years later, it still shines on the air using a rock or a VFO. How could I not love Straight Key Night?

One of my SKN QSOs was with Lee, K9CM in Columbus, Indiana. Lee summed up my rig: "It comes from a time when CW was king!" To some of us, CW still is king! A similar comment from Greg, WA1JXR in Lancaster, Massachusetts who wisely mentioned "Real radios glow!" Amen!

Thank you ARRL for another annual homage towards the wonderful world of slow and gentle straight key CW. May the orange glow continue for many decades - even centuries - to come. A very happy new year to all who went on the air to say "hello." - Karl Zuk N2KZ Katonah, NY