The United Nations’ Public Service Day is held on June 23 each year. It recognizes that democracy and successful governance are built on the foundation of a competent civil service. The day aims to celebrate the value and virtue of service to the community.

Public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and honestly. It must be a complete dedication to the people and to the nation. — Margaret Chase Smith

No nation runs without the constant and determined work of the people who live there and strive every day with a sense of service to the public. While not everyone serves this purpose, those who do are notable for their dedication, and the changes their efforts make in our lives every day. Public Service Day reminds us of the importance of public service, and the people who dedicate themselves every day to the success of their nation.

To engage in public service is to work to improve fundamental human rights, such as access to water, homes, and medical treatment. Those who work with Volunteer Fire Departments and Ambulance Corps are involved in providing services like these, and aiding the security of our homes and ourselves every day. Without them, our cities and towns wouldn’t be nearly as safe, and there’d be no-one to respond when danger calls.

You may be surprised how many people you know that are involved in the public service industry. Do you know a mail carrier? How about a librarian? Did anyone you know serve in the military or work in education? All of these are types of public service, and without them, we wouldn’t live in the world of safety and security we do today.

The idea of public service first began in the 19th century as municipal services began to be developed, such as gas and water. As further services were provided by government agencies, the scope of what qualified as a public service expanded. Today we benefit from hundreds of community and public services, and we have the civil servants who work in these areas to thank for our creature comforts.