[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 56 (Thursday, May 7, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4552-S4553]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    PUBLIC SERVICE RECOGNITION WEEK

  Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, I am pleased to join the President, Vice 
President, and my colleagues in Congress in recognizing the significant 
contribution of all public employees to our Nation's well-being. This 
week,

[[Page S4553]]

from May 4 through May 10, is Public Service Recognition Week and today 
begins a three-day celebration of events on the Mall designed to 
highlight the creative, innovative and effective government programs 
serving Americans across the country.
  I am indeed proud to bring special attention to the dedicated 
individuals who have chosen public service as a career and who, through 
years of hard work, have helped to contribute to our Nation's growth 
and prosperity. Their important work includes protecting our Nation, 
keeping our food supply safe, participating in medical and scientific 
research, and maintaining highway and air safety.
  The excellent service provided by Federal employees often goes 
unrecognized and it is only when these services become necessary for an 
individual or when the services are unavailable--as we experienced just 
two years ago during the shutdown of the Federal government--that 
people truly appreciate the importance of Federal employees. It is with 
this in mind that I want to again thank and praise the millions of men 
and women in the Federal workforce who perform these important jobs 
every day.
  I view public service as an honorable career and a high calling, and 
I am proud that our Government has such a conscientious and highly 
qualified workforce. Despite previous attempts to undervalue the ideals 
which make public service rewarding and attractive to many, Federal 
employees continue to work positively and responsibly, while 
accomplishing many vital tasks. President Kennedy once stated:

       Let the public service be a proud and lively career. And 
     let every man and woman who works in any area of our nation 
     government, in any branch, at any level, be able to say with 
     pride and honor in future years: 'I served the United States 
     Government in that hour of our Nation's need.

  The Nation has unquestionably benefitted from the many wonderful 
achievements of Federal employees. In setting aside this week to 
acknowledge our Nation's public servants, we all have an opportunity to 
give these employees the thanks and recognition they so greatly 
deserve. I am very pleased to extend my appreciation to such a worthy 
an committed group of men and women and encourage them to continue in 
their efforts on behalf of all Americans. 

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