Source: Justin Sullivan / Getty
National Postal Worker Day is observed annually on July 1st. This is a day to appreciate and thank the numerous men and women who work consistently and diligently deliver all of our mail and packages. These employees suffer some of the harshest working conditions, yet continue to persevere six days a week.
Across the United States, postal workers walk an average of 4 to 8 miles carrying a full load of letters and packages and delivering them promptly to each of our doorsteps. There are approximately 490,000 postal workers across the United States. They work in all kinds of weather including extreme heat and cold, rain and sleet and blizzards, too.
Besides severe weather, they have also dealt with unusual packages. In 1913 the postal service started delivering packages up to a maximum 11 pounds. The most surprising package to arrive for delivery was a small child. Barely under the weight limit, James Beagle was mailed at a cost of 15 cents to his grandmother just a few miles away. This practice continued for just over a year until the postmaster general was able to put regulations in place prohibiting it.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Take time to thank your local postal worker. Encourage others to get the word out and make every postal worker’s day. Post on social media using #NationalPostalWorkerDay to encourage others to join in.
HISTORY
Established in 1997 by a Seattle-area carrier who wanted to honor fellow employees, National Postal Worker Day is celebrated on July 1.
source: nationaldaycalendar.com
