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News Release
Tuesday, May 4, 2004
Tel: 202-606-2402
OPM Director Kay Coles James Praises Federal Civil Servants During Public Service Recognition Week
Washington, D.C. - Kay Coles James, Director of the Office of Personnel Management, today praised the dedicated men and women of the federal workforce at the start of Public Service Recognition Week.
Celebrated the first week in May, PSRW is a time set aside each year to honor the men and women who serve America as federal, state and local government employees. Around the country, public employees use this week to educate citizens about the many ways in which government services the people and how government services make life better for all of us. This recognition of the everyday work of public servants includes a wide range of activities, i.e. festivals, essay contests and parades, that improve public understanding of and appreciation for their contributions.
"President George W. Bush has expressed the Nation's gratitude for the public servants who ‘touch lives, inspire others, and help us realize the promise and potential of our great Nation,'" said James. "I want to join the President in expressing my personal thanks for all you do as members of our team in service to America."
"Throughout our history, we have been blessed with men and women of vision and character who have devoted their time and talents in service to their country and their fellow citizens," James said. "You are following in the footsteps of patriots."
The capstone of PSRW in the nation's capital is the Mall Event, which will run from May 6-9 on the National Mall. Opening ceremonies will commence at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 6. Dan Blair, Deputy Director for the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will provide remarks.
The Mall event consists of Government agencies sponsoring exhibits that showcase the innovative work of their respective agencies. This is a rare opportunity to interact with tens of thousands of American citizens as they visit Washington, D.C.
OPM staff will be exhibiting an interactive booth, detailing the many initiatives it is responsible for and providing information on a number of its programs, such as usajobs.gov, Long-Term Care, Telework, E-training, the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and veterans' employment. OPM also will host a number of events at its headquarters at 1900 E Street, NW, including a BBQ for agency employees.
PSRW is sponsored by the Public Employees Roundtable. More information on PSRW can be found at www.theroundtable.org.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is the leader in workforce management for the federal government. Our agency builds, strengthens, and serves a federal workforce of 2.2 million employees with programs like hiring assistance, healthcare and insurance, retirement benefits, and much more. We provide agencies with policies, guidance, and best practices for supporting federal workers, so they can best serve the American people.