May 5th kicks off Public Service Recognition Week, a time to recognize the work and dedication of local, county, tribal, state and federal employees as you’re standing in line at the Motor Vehicles Administration to pay for the fine you got for parking on the wrong side for a street sweeping day.
“Federal, state, local and tribal employees are dedicated to making a difference, and we honor and appreciate their efforts to protect our country and safeguard the health and well-being of the public,” a statement signed by the heads of 83 separate federal agencies and organizations. “These government workers educate our children, maintain our infrastructure, strengthen our nation’s security, find cures for disease, serve our veterans, protect our interests around the world, defend cyberspace, and ensure we have safe food and clean water. And those are just some of the essential services they provide.”
While in the end, it’s an overall meaningless commemoration that Hallmark doesn’t even make a card for–it’s also Sun Awareness Week, Drinking Water Week AND Donkey Week on a crowded calendar–this year our public employees are more important than ever: Election workers are public service employees.