“Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.”
Although these words are carved in stone over the entrance to the old New York City Post Office building on 8th Avenue, the U.S. Postal Service does not have an official motto. But if it did, this would surely be it.
According to the USPS, the quote often mistaken as the U.S. Post Office motto comes from “The Persian Wars” written by the ancient Greek historian Herodotus around 445 B.C. and refers to the Persian system of mounted postal couriers who “served with great fidelity” during the wars between the Greeks and Persians (500-449 B.C.).It serves as a fitting tribute to our nation’s letter carriers who “serve with great fidelity” in the faithful execution of their work as public servants.
Beginning in 1692, the first formal system of mail delivery was established in the American colonies. Postmasters were appointed in each colony with a tavern utilized in each community by postal riders for depositing mail instead of delivering mail directly to individual addresses.
An efficient and dependable system of mail delivery continues to be a vital part of the preservation and strength of modern societies, just as it was vital to the expansion of ancient civilizations. As Herodotus recounted so eloquently, those who carry and deliver mail and “serve with great fidelity” deserve to be recognized and appreciated. On National Thank a Mail Carrier Day, we celebrate the men and women who continue this honorable tradition.
NATIONAL THANK A MAIL CARRIER DAY ACTIVITIES
1. Just say “Thank you”
Everyone likes to feel appreciated. Make the extra effort today to personally thank your letter carrier for his or her service. If you absolutely cannot do so in person, leave a thank you note in your mailbox.
2. Visit the National Postal Museum or take a virtual tour
From building the critical commercial aviation network to a rail-hopping dog who traveled the country with the railway mail service in the late 1800s, a visit to the National Postal Museum in Washington, DC is a fascinating treasury of our nation’s postal service history. The National Postal Museum is part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC where admission is always free.
3. Send a letter or postcard via “snail-mail”
We know you are busy and your phone is within easy reach in your pocket or purse. But if you really want to show your mail carrier appreciation, instead of sending someone a text to say hello or happy birthday, make a commitment to send letters or greeting cards again. Today is the perfect day to get started by writing a letter or card, affixing a stamp to it, and putting it in your outgoing mail.
QUESTION: Do you enjoy receiving happy mail?
