Public Service Recognition Week winds down

Public Service Recognition Week gives civil servants the acknowledgment they deserve, and also helps Americans understand the good work government employees do, Office of Personnel Management Director John Berry said on Thursday.

"It's a chance to learn about what federal employees do and for the public to see some of the great jobs that are available here in the government," Berry said during a fitness walk with Martha Johnson, head of the General Services Administration, and employees from OPM and GSA. Since 1985, the president and Congress have designated the first full week of May as Public Service Recognition Week. Activities are held nationwide to acknowledge federal employees, as well as state, county and local workers.

"This is about explaining what we do and why it's valuable and being transparent about it," Johnson said. "I don't know that we've always been great at doing that. The government worker typically does his work, puts his head down and pays attention to that, frankly. So it's an opportunity for us to open ourselves up to the public and each other as well."

Agencies set up several booths on the National Mall showcasing this year's Innovation and Opportunity theme and a number of senior agency leaders spoke, thanking government workers for their service.

"Our democracy is very dependent on a government that really can and will and does help all the people in America," Energy Secretary Steven Chu said at the celebration on the Mall. "I didn't realize until I entered government that it is truly service, and so I appreciate the career workers who have been doing this their entire careers."

Berry said the Obama administration's effort to recognize and publicize the good work feds do is slowly but surely starting to make a difference.

"For 30 years, I'd say there have been more attacks than there have been applaudings, so it takes time for people to hear the applause," Berry said. "But it's coming. I sense, in our own little agency, a mood shift, where people feel appreciated. They understand the service they're providing to their country and how important it is."