[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 74 (Thursday, May 14, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5496-S5497]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE NATION'S PUBLIC SERVANTS

  Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I rise today to commemorate this Nation's 
many dedicated public servants.
  As we confront the global outbreak of the 2009 influenza H1N1 virus, 
public servants are on the front lines in a coordinated Federal, State, 
and local government response, working to provide the public with 
accurate, real time information to reduce the possibility of further 
infection. At our borders and ports, Federal employees are monitoring 
incoming visitors for signs of illness. State and local health 
officials are monitoring, testing, and treating people with suspected 
cases of the flu virus.
  This effort is one of the many contributions hardworking, talented 
government employees make to improve our lives every day. They deliver 
our mail, care for our veterans, guard our prisons, protect our borders 
and communities, defend our country, and educate our children. They 
influence the lives of people around the world as diplomats, promoting 
peace, prosperity, and democracy in conflicted regions, and providing 
critical assistance to developing and impoverished communities.
  In honor of these and many other unsung activities of public 
servants, I offered an annual resolution, S. Res. 87, which unanimously 
passed the Senate on April 21, 2009, to recognize the dedicated men and 
women who serve our country, honor those brave heroes who died in 
service to their country, and encourage all Americans to consider a 
career in public service.
  Last week was Public Service Recognition Week. We set aside the first 
full week of May to recognize and honor the accomplishments of Federal, 
State, and local government employees. Across the country, hundreds of 
events took place in appreciation of the millions of public servants 
who serve as the quiet bedrock of our Nation's workforce. This year's 
celebration included a 4-day exhibition on the National Mall where more 
than 100 civilian and military Federal agencies showcased their 
programs and initiatives to the public.
  In his 1961 inaugural address, President John F. Kennedy called on 
all Americans to make a commitment to public service. His call inspired 
a generation to serve. President Barrack Obama again called for action 
in his inaugural address. Public interest in Federal Government jobs is 
increasing, but we must ensure that Americans who embrace a public 
service career are not deterred by the lengthy and complicated hiring 
process. Last week, I held a hearing on how to improve Federal job 
recruitment so that we can harness the renewed spirit of service that 
President Obama has inspired. There is no better time to rise to the 
occasion and serve.
  As a former teacher and a life-long public servant, I am proud to 
highlight

[[Page S5497]]

the importance of Public Service Recognition Week. This is a critical 
time for our Nation, with many domestic and global challenges. Although 
we have designated a week to honor government employees, I rise today 
to stress the importance of remembering the invaluable service of 
public servants throughout the year. Our way of life--and the strength 
of our country would not exist without the work of public employees. 
And so to all the dedicated men and women currently serving our Nation, 
mahalo nui loa--thank you very much--for all that you do.
  Mr. President, I am including Director John Berry's letter of support 
for Public Service Recognition Week with my statement and ask unanimous 
consent that it be printed in the Record following my remarks.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

                               Office of Personnel Management,

                                      Washington, DC, May 5, 2009.
     Hon. Daniel K. Akaka,
     Chairman, Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, 
         the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, U.S. 
         Senate, Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing to thank you for your 
     sponsorship of S. Res. 87, a resolution expressing the sense 
     of the Senate that public servants should be commended for 
     their dedication and continued service to the Nation during 
     Public Service Recognition Week, May 4 through 10, 2009, and 
     throughout the year.
       As you know, Public Service Recognition Week, celebrated 
     the first Monday through Sunday in May since 1985, is a time 
     set aside each year to honor the men and women who serve 
     America as Federal, state and local government employees. 
     Throughout the Nation and around the world, public employees 
     use the week to educate citizens about the many ways in which 
     government serves the people and how government services make 
     life better for all of us.
       As the Director of the Office of Personnel Management 
     (OPM), Public Service Recognition Week is the perfect time to 
     spread President Obama's call to public service and to 
     recognize public employees. I am committed to making the 
     Federal government a better place to work by speeding up the 
     hiring process, increasing opportunities for veterans, and 
     implementing programs that help employees balance work and 
     family life.
       Thank you for your continued leadership in recognizing the 
     hard work of our public servants during Public Service 
     Recognition Week and I look forward to working with you to 
     make the federal government a better place to work.
           Sincerely,
                                                       John Berry,
     Director.

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