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Public Service Recognition Week

Honor their dedication and achievements this Public Service Recognition Week - our public heroes who commit to serving our communities every day!

Sunday

2–8

May 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEFirst Full Week in May (Sunday to Saturday)

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYPhilanthropy

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Break out the balloons and badges, it's time to celebrate Public Service Recognition Week starting on May 5! This notable week began in 1985, when the Public Employees Roundtable and its member organizations came together to proudly honor the men and women who serve our nation as federal, state, county, and local government employees. With courage, dedication, and tireless effort, these incredible individuals work to ensure our communities are safe, healthy, and thriving. From firefighters and police officers to teachers and medical workers, this is a week to honor their significant contributions and say a wholehearted thank you! Their commitment and drive is something everyone can be excited about. So let’s put our collective hands together for these everyday heroes!

TIMELINE

Public Service Recognition Week Timeline

Inception of PSRW

Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) was established by the Public Employees Roundtable and its member organizations to honor all levels of public servants.

Presidential Proclamation

President Ronald Reagan issued a formal presidential proclamation celebrating Public Service Recognition Week, solidifying its national importance.

Public Service Celebrations Grow

Through the 1990s, recognition events proliferated across the country, with local communities holding parades, award ceremonies and other celebratory events.

Government-Wide Celebration

The U.S. Senate unanimously approved a resolution designating a week in May as Public Service Recognition Week, urging all Americans to recognize the contributions of public service workers.

Expansion of PSRW Events

Public Service Recognition Week events expanded to include a 5k run/walk, public service town hall meetings, and international events.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Public Service Recognition Week

Host a public service appreciation event

Organize an appreciation event in your community that honors the work of public service workers. It could be a simple outdoor gathering with some food and music or a more official event with awards and recognition for the public servants in your area.

CREATE

Create gift baskets for public service workers

From healthy snacks to wellness items, you can pack a special gift basket for public service workers in your area. Hand them out throughout Public Service Recognition Week as a token of appreciation.

PROMOTE

Promote public service jobs

Help encourage others to join the ranks of public service by promoting job openings in the industry. You could collaborate with local schools and colleges to organize career fairs or inform younger generations about the benefits and rewards of a career in public service.

Share stories of dedicated public service workers

Take this opportunity to highlight some of the extraordinary work performed by public workers in your community. You could write articles, blog posts, or even just share some posts on social media showcasing their work and dedication.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer your time

Public service workers are all about giving back to the community. Honor their dedication by volunteering your time. This could be picking up trash in your local park, helping out at a local food bank, or assisting with a community project.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Public Service Recognition Week is Important

Inspire Future Public Servants

By spotlighting the roles, challenges, and achievements of public service workers, we inspire younger generations to consider careers in public service. Promoting public service jobs not only helps to fill vacancies but also instills a sense of community dedication in the future generation.

Honoring Every Day Heroes

Public Service Recognition Week provides an opportunity to honor the everyday heroes who commit themselves to serving our communities. These individuals diligently work behind the scenes to ensure that our communities remain safe, healthy, and prosperous. This week, we get a chance to appreciate their tireless efforts.

Show Gratitude

Public Service Recognition Week allows us to express our gratitude towards these public servants through appreciation events, gift baskets, promotion of their jobs, sharing their hero stories, and volunteering. These small gestures showcase our collective appreciation and admiration for their invaluable service.

Related holidays

National Correctional Officer’s Week

Honor the brave individuals who maintain our justice system during National Correctional Officer's Week - their dedication deserves our gratitude.

National Police Week

Let's honor and thank our brave police officers during National Police Week - they are the everyday heroes who keep our communities safe!

Volunteers’ Week

Volunteers' Week is the perfect time to recognize and thank the amazing individuals who selflessly give their time and talents for a good cause. Join us in celebrating these unsung heroes!

United Nations Public Service Day

Celebrate the impact of public service on United Nations Public Service Day - a day to honor those who work tirelessly for the greater good!

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