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Public Service Recognition Week – May 7-13, 2023

Public Service Recognition Week takes place in the first week of May and will be held from May 7 to 13 this year. It starts on the first Sunday of the month and lasts a week. The purpose of celebrating this week is to admire and honor the people who deliver public service to us and make everyday chores possible for us. From basic transportation services to the roads and pavements we travel on, we make use of many government-sponsored facilities on a daily basis. It is thanks to the efforts of public service employees that we are able to go about our daily lives. So, this week, we raise our glasses to the people employed in the public sector and shine the spotlight on their work.

History of Public Service Recognition Week

Public services facilitate the general public’s way of life, giving us access to government services. This profession has existed for at least 4,000 years. Initially, public service was considered joining the military to provide security to your people. As city-states formed and grew into empires, the concept of public service grew. In time, more and more fields of public service opened up — entertainment being one example.

It is therefore evident that the idea of public service has been around since the time of the emperors. The work of early Greek and Latin philosophers, such as Aristotle, is considered to lay the foundation of public service as we know it today. The Roman Emperor, Julius Caesar, considered himself to be a public servant. The concept of public service is held high in every society, and in the U.S., the foundations of public service were laid during the compiling and signing of the Constitution of the United States of America.

Proper departmentalization of public service began in 1871 when President Ulysses Grant formed the first Federal Civil Service. This laid the foundations of the institutions that would deliver services and facilities sponsored by the government. The department of public service has been working since the creation of the U.S. to deliver services to the public. However, until 1985, the delivery of this service was just considered a duty and a moral obligation that public service employees were supposed to fulfill. It was not until 1985 that Public Service Recognition Week was introduced by President Ronald Reagan. This week is set aside to honor the people in the public sector and acknowledge their efforts.

Public Service Recognition Week timeline

1787
The U.S. Constitution Introduces Public Service

The concept of public service is first introduced in the U.S. Constitution.

1871
The Federal Civil Service is Established

The U.S. Federal Civil Service is established by President Ulysses S. Grant.

1985
The Inaugural Celebrations

For the first time, Public Service Recognition Week is celebrated.

2020
The 35th Anniversary

Public Service Recognition Week marks its 35th anniversary in May.

Public Service Recognition Week FAQs

What are examples of public service?

Examples of public service include the courts, education, emergency services, the military, healthcare, and emergency services, among many others.

What is good public service?

Good public service involves prioritizing the needs of the underprivileged or those who may be maligned in society. Good public servants are empathetic, aware, and able to think ahead.

What is the easiest public service?

Apparently, there is no such thing as “the easiest public service.” For every individual, the degree to which they consider providing a specific public service easily is relative.

How to Observe Public Service Recognition Week

  1. Spread the word on social media

    Share your appreciation for those in public service on your social media accounts. Get it trending by using the hashtag #PSRW.

  2. Invite young children to participate

    Children learn and get influenced by what they see. Encourage students to participate in events and competitions arranged during this week to build an appreciation for public service.

  3. Host or join an event

    You can always host or join an event related to the importance of public service and promote it as a career choice.

5 Interesting Facts About Public Service

  1. One-third are due to retire

    By 2025, one-third of the federal workforce is due to retire, which means there will be a massive opportunity for young people to join the ranks.

  2. The government employs 24 million people

    Around 15% of the entire U.S. workforce is involved in federal, state, or local government, military, or public service — which means there are around 24 million government employees.

  3. Teachers make up the larget number

    Elementary school and secondary school employ the highest number of public servants.

  4. Modest growth in public service

    There has been modest growth in the number of people working in public service.

  5. Public service employees are paid less

    Public service employees still make less than their private-sector counterparts even if their wages and benefits are combined.

Why Public Service Recognition Week is Important

  1. To honor the public servants

    Public servants, or public sector employees, are the ones who make a tangible connection between the government and the people. Whatever service the government offers to its citizens is offered, in practice, by public service employees.

  2. We need to spread awareness

    People need to be aware that with 33% of all federal service employees due to retire in 2025, there will be a big void that needs to be filled. The government must find ways to entice workers from the private sector.

  3. They contribute to the community, and country

    Public service employees work at a community, state, or federal level and make significant contributions to the wellbeing of society. As a community, we need people who are willing to work for the government.

Public Service Recognition Week dates

YearDateDay
2022May 1Sunday
2023May 7Sunday
2024May 5Sunday
2025May 4Sunday
2026May 3Sunday

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