Washington, DC - U. S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Deputy Director Dan G. Blair, today, praised America's civil servants during the Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) opening ceremony. The annual event, now in its 20^th year, celebrates those who serve America as federal, state and local government employees.

"Civil servants across this great nation are people who rise to the occasion and respond to the call to serve our country," Blair said. "They are men and women who do not seek the light of recognition and reward, but instead pursue service relentlessly."

The PSRW mall event runs until May 9 and is a rare opportunity to interact with tens of thousands of Capital Mall visitors. OPM is exhibiting an interactive booth, detailing the many initiatives for which it is responsible. Topics showcased include how to find a federal job, student jobs and internships, management training, e-Government, health care, employment for veterans and security clearances.

"History is being made every day by our Nation's public servants who secure our borders and transportation infrastructure, protect our information technology and economic systems, and provide for the smooth and uninterrupted operation of government services to those who rely on them - all part of the job of protecting America," Blair said. "The federal workforce is one of the most formidable weapons of democracy."

Our mission is to ensure the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce. OPM supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.