Civil service honored with weeklong events in Washington

The work of federal, state and local civilian and military employees nationwide will be recognized this week.

Public Service Recognition Week, held annually since 1985 during the first full week of May, is designed to educate citizens about the many ways in which government serves them. Official events run from Monday, May 5 through Wednesday, May 7 on the National Mall in Washington.

The week begins with a naturalization ceremony for 25 new citizens, including several military personnel. Public servants also will be recognized Monday evening at the GEICO Public Service Awards and reception at the National Archives Building in Washington. GEICO awards will be given to four active federal employees in the following categories: substance abuse prevention and treatment, fire prevention and safety, physical rehabilitation and traffic safety and accident prevention. The event also will honor one retired federal employee for contributions made in one of those four fields since leaving the government.

Tuesday opens with a breakfast and panel discussion at The Washington Post to discuss a new report by the Gallup Organization and the Council for Excellence in Government titled "Generation Y's Thoughts on Politics, Government and Public Service."

Wednesday kick offs with another breakfast, this one featuring Linda Springer, director of the Office of Personnel Management. At 1 p.m., 20 individuals will offer innovative ideas on how to improve government management as part of FedPitch -- a forum designed to trigger new ideas on improving government service.

Throughout the week, more than 100 federal agencies and subcomponents within the departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Justice, Labor, Transportation and others will operate booths on the Mall to explain their missions and programs.

Visitors to the Mall also will have the opportunity to explore a U.S. Postal Service mobile command center, which serves as an incident command site for postal inspectors during responses to major events. Visitors also can write messages of support to American troops, take in a crime scene investigation lab, sign a copy of the Declaration of Independence, and meet government mascots like Smokey Bear and McGruff the Crime Dog.

The full celebration extends beyond the nation's capital, with more than 250 governors and mayors across the country recognizing public servants this week.

Meanwhile, the House and Senate have approved resolutions to recognize the efforts of government employees. The measures (S.Res. 497 and H.Res. 1073), sponsored by Sen. Daniel K. Akaka, D-Hawaii, and Rep. Danny K. Davis, D-Ill., commend public servants for their contributions and honor those employees who have given their lives in service to the country.

"I urge everyone to take notice of the public employees they interact with during any given week and offer him or her, a heartfelt 'thank you," said Darryl Perkinson, president of the Federal Managers Association. "PSRW reminds us all to appreciate the work of government at all levels and the stellar employees we rely on every day."

For a complete list of the week's events, click here.