Annual observance

Morse Code Day

April 27 Cultural / community observance Updated 2025-12-17

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Overview

Morse Code Day, observed annually on April 27th, commemorates the birth of Samuel Morse in 1791, the co-developer of Morse code and a pioneer of the electric telegraph. This day honors his monumental contribution to long-distance communication, which revolutionized information exchange across continents and industries. While largely superseded by modern digital technologies, Morse code remains relevant in amateur radio, aviation (for navigational aid identification), and as a celebrated historical communication method, appreciated for its simplicity, efficiency, and profound impact on global connectivity.

Observed each year on April 27, Morse Code Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.

Why it matters: Morse Code Day, celebrated on April 27th, honors the birth of Samuel Morse, whose invention of Morse code transformed long-distance communication and laid the groundwork for modern information exchange. This day serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Morse's innovations, which continue to influence various fields, from amateur radio to aviation.

Origin and story

The very first message sent via electric telegraph using Morse code was "What hath God wrought?", transmitted by Samuel Morse on May 24, 1844.

The international distress signal "SOS" (three dots, three dashes, three dots) is one of the most widely recognized Morse code sequences.

Quick facts

  • DateApril 27
  • TypeCultural / community observance
  • Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams

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Ways to celebrate

  • Write a note or journal entry on why Morse Code Day matters, then set a reminder for next year.
  • Bring the theme into your day—decorate a workspace, cook or bake something inspired by Morse Code, or play music that matches the mood.
  • Bring Morse Code Day to work or school with a short shout-out in a meeting or group chat.
  • Share one fast fact about Morse Code Day: The very first message sent via electric telegraph using Morse code was "What hath God wrought?", transmitted by Samuel Morse on May 24, 1844.
  • Share the story of Morse Code Day on social and tag it with #morsecodeday so others can join in.

Fun facts

  • The very first message sent via electric telegraph using Morse code was "What hath God wrought?", transmitted by Samuel Morse on May 24, 1844.
  • The international distress signal "SOS" (three dots, three dashes, three dots) is one of the most widely recognized Morse code sequences.
  • While often associated with simple "dots and dashes," Samuel Morse's original American Morse Code was slightly different from the International Morse Code standardized for global use today.

Sources and attribution

Source not provided.


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FAQ

When is Morse Code Day?
It is observed on April 27 each year.
What is Morse Code Day?
Morse Code Day, observed annually on April 27th, commemorates the birth of Samuel Morse in 1791, the co-developer of Morse code and a pioneer of the electric telegraph. This day honors his monumental contribution to long-distance communication, which revolutionized information exchange across continents and industries. While largely superseded by modern digital technologies, Morse code remains relevant in amateur radio, aviation (for navigational aid identification), and as a celebrated historical communication method, appreciated for its simplicity, efficiency, and profound impact on global connectivity.
How do people celebrate Morse Code Day?
Write a note or journal entry on why Morse Code Day matters, then set a reminder for next year.

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