News Release

Washington, D.C. - Kay Coles James, Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, delivered the keynote speech during the opening ceremony of Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW). The celebration on Washington's National Mall took place just west of the U.S. Capitol, a fitting backdrop for remembering the unusual challenges and triumphs of public servants at the federal, state and local levels of government this year.

"Let me say, that in our own, quiet, determined way, our civilian federal employees have performed miracles," said James. "When September 11 came, federal workers who had trained for this moment for years sprang into action.

"We also remember federal government employees who returned to work on September 12 in a million quiet acts of defiance. Our people kept the government running….and we showed that America is unafraid. There is something about a challenge that brings out the excellence in Americans."

Noted in James' extensive list of federal employee accomplishments immediately following the terrorist attacks were the FBI agents who "conducted the greatest manhunt in human history"; the Department of Treasury for managing economic policy; employees of the Centers for Disease Control, who sampled the air and water in New York City; the Food and Drug Administration for ensuring a quality blood supply; and, the thousands of doctors, lawyers and teachers employed by the Executive Branch.

Following the Director's remarks, James christened a new multimedia OPM recruitment display which will be visited by thousands of Americans throughout the week. The display features interactive computers with federal job listings from the USAJOBS web site (www.usajobs.gov). The display also highlights a new recruitment video developed by OPM and designed to capitalize on the surge of patriotism.

The new OPM recruitment display served as a backdrop for remarks by Congresswoman Constance Morella (MD) and Congressman Danny Davis (IL). Also visiting the booth were John Koskinen, Deputy Mayor of the District of Columbia, and Max Stier, President of the Partnership for Public Service.

Public Service Recognition Week also serves to promote public service careers among today's high school and college students, America's next generation of employees. James addressed this point, saying, "There is no better way to serve your country than as a member of America's public service. As we look ahead, there will be no shortage of tough assignments and high goals to meet. And, I predict, there will be no shortage of Americans willing to meet those challenges."

Dropping-in on the Mall activities were 150 students from Sells Middle School, in Dublin, Ohio. They were on the last day of a field trip to the Nation's Capital. Chris Veeck, 14, said he will definitely look at a government career because "the work is very interesting." Two other students said they want to become a veterinarian and a prosecutor, and might think about working for Uncle Sam.

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OPM oversees the federal work force and provides the American public with up-to-date employment information. OPM also supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.