National Postal Workers Day
Rain, shine, wind or snow, they’re out there delivering our important mail and making sure we get our packages. Thank your postal worker for their hard work.
Before the internet and email. Before the television or the telephone. Even before the telegraph system was developed and able to be used in a reliable manner, there was the post office.
How to Celebrate National Postal Workers Day
Show some thanks and appreciation to these important government employees by celebrating National Postal Workers Day. Implement some of these ideas to get started with the festivities:
Write a Thank You Card
When the postal worker comes to pick up the mail, slip a little personalized thank you note right into the box, or hand it to them personally if possible.
It might even be nice to bake them a little treat or provide them with some other kind of small show of appreciation for the hard work they do and help they provide.
Those who happen to be dropping off or picking up a package at the post office during this week, especially folks who do so on a regular basis, might also want to give an extra thank you to the staff at the post office!
Learn Fun Facts About the Post Office
One way to celebrate National Postal Workers Day might be to learn (and share!) a few bits of trivia to raise awareness for the day. Begin the fun with some of these interesting pieces of information:
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While sometimes linked together, the Pony Express only functioned from 1860–1861 and was never part of the US Postal Service.
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The first post office in the colonies was started in 1639 and it was located in a tavern.
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In the early years of the US, the postal service was the only way to send money, which motivated people to steal the mail.
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The postal act of 1792 imposed the harshest of penalties on mail thieves – up to death for a second offender.
History of National Postal Workers Day
United States Postal Workers can trace their history all the way back to the year before the country actually gained independence.
It was in 1775, during the Second Continental Congress, that Ben Franklin was appointed to be the first Postmaster General, a position that was similar to one he had also held for the Kingdom of Great Britain.
The official Post Office Department wasn’t created until almost two decades later, in 1792, when the Postal Service Act was passed.
Of course, the postal service has changed and grown along with the country, and it has had its ups and downs in service, but it remains an important part of the government that many people continue to rely on today.
National Postal Workers Day was founded in 1997 by then-USPS employee, Richard E. Baker, who wanted to shine a spotlight on the crucial role postal workers serve in delivering mail to millions of Americans each day.
What Baker may not have realized is that this day would become more and more important as fewer and fewer people would begin relying less on the post office as alternative forms of electronic communication would become commonplace!
It is true that postal workers do not always get the thanks they deserve. And sometimes they are even the butt of certain jokes when people want to poke fun or are dissatisfied with their service.
But those who have a postal worker in their life who delivers their mail regularly and in a timely manner should certainly take this opportunity, on National Postal Workers Day, to give a hearty round of thanks!
National Postal Workers Day FAQs
Did any famous individuals work as postal employees before gaining fame?
Yes, several notable figures began their careers as postal workers. For instance, Abraham Lincoln served as a postmaster in New Salem, Illinois, from 1833 to 1836.
Additionally, renowned aviator Charles Lindbergh worked as an airmail pilot, delivering mail along early flight routes.
How do postal workers in remote areas deliver mail under challenging conditions?
In remote regions, postal workers often employ innovative methods to ensure mail delivery.
For example, in Alaska, mail carriers use bush planes to reach isolated communities. In the Grand Canyon, mule trains transport mail to residents living in the canyon’s depths.
Are there any unique traditions associated with postal workers in different countries?
Yes, various countries have unique postal traditions. In France, postal workers may deliver New Year’s cards in person, offering well-wishes to residents.
In Japan, it’s customary for postal workers to deliver New Year’s greeting cards precisely on January 1st, a tradition known as “Nengajo.”
What role did postal workers play in the development of early airmail services?
Postal workers were instrumental in establishing airmail services. In 1918, the U.S. Post Office Department initiated the first regular airmail service between Washington, D.C., and New York City.
Brave postal pilots, often flying in open-cockpit planes without modern navigation tools, laid the groundwork for contemporary air mail systems.
How did the phrase ‘going postal’ originate, and what does it signify?
The term “going postal” emerged in the 1990s following a series of workplace incidents involving postal workers in the United States.
It colloquially refers to someone becoming extremely angry or violent in a workplace setting. The phrase highlights the stress and challenges faced by postal employees during that period.
What are some lesser-known services provided by postal workers beyond mail delivery?
Beyond delivering mail, postal workers offer various services. In some countries, they assist elderly residents by checking on their well-being during deliveries.
Additionally, postal services may include banking, bill payment, and even internet access in remote areas, showcasing the adaptability of postal systems to community needs.
How do postal services in different countries honor their workers annually?
Many countries celebrate their postal workers through dedicated days. For instance, Argentina observes “DÃa del Trabajador Telepostal” on April 7th, honoring postal and telecommunication workers.
These celebrations often include ceremonies, awards, and public acknowledgments of the vital role postal workers play in society.
What technological advancements have postal workers adapted to over the years?
Postal workers have continually adapted to technological changes. The introduction of automated sorting machines, digital tracking systems, and electric delivery vehicles has transformed their roles.
Despite these advancements, the dedication to ensuring timely and accurate mail delivery remains a constant in their profession.
Are there any myths or misconceptions about the postal service’s motto?
A common misconception is that the U.S. Postal Service has an official motto: “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.”
In reality, this phrase is an inscription on the James Farley Post Office in New York City and is derived from Herodotus’ description of Persian messengers, not an official USPS creed.
How did postal workers contribute during global crises, such as pandemics or wars?
During global crises, postal workers have played crucial roles in maintaining communication.
In wartime, they delivered letters between soldiers and families, boosting morale.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, postal workers ensured the continued delivery of essential goods and correspondence, often at personal risk, highlighting their dedication and the essential nature of their services.
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