[CQ-Contest] Contester's Die Slowly?

[TOMK5RC@aol.com]

Today I received one of my QSL cards returned via  the Incoming ARRL Bureau. 
The card was stamped "Silent  Key."  I sent it in 1981 in response to a QSL 
from the 1980 Ten meter  contest.
 
I'm just curious how come it took 25 years for the poor guy to succumb  and 
have my card returned. Or is this just a typical response time through the  
outgoing and incoming Bureau's?
 
Tom Taormina, K5RC
Contesting from the Comstock
W7RN -  K7RC

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