July 26, 2020: Postal Heritage Day in Michigan.

WHEREAS, on July 26, 1775, the United States Post Office Department was established by act of the Second Continental Congress, which also appointed the first Postmaster General, Benjamin Franklin; and,

 

WHEREAS, throughout its long history, the Postal Service has been an important part of the infrastructure of the nation, linking individuals in personal ways, as well as providing a service vital for commerce; and,

 

WHEREAS, the public Postal Service, through universal service and fair and reasonable postal rates, ensures that every person in the United States can engage in the democratic right to communicate regardless of geographic location, economic status, race, nationality, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, or age; and,

 

WHEREAS, the Postal Service provides universal service at reasonable rates, its operations are funded by the users, not taxpayer dollars, and it has been integral to much of America’s economic, social, and cultural development; and,

 

WHEREAS, the Postal Reorganization Act as Amended states, “The United States Postal Service shall be operated as a basic and fundamental service provided to the people by the Government of the United States, authorized by the Constitution, created by Act of Congress, and supported by the people. The Postal Service shall have as its basic function the obligation to provide postal services to bind the Nation together through the personal, educational, literary, and business correspondence of the people.  It shall provide prompt, reliable, and efficient services to patrons in all areas and shall render postal services to all communities.”; and,

 

WHEREAS, today, the Postal Service services 153 million addresses a day, delivering letters, packages, medicines, magazines, catalogs, greeting cards, and bill payments, and the current COVID -19 pandemic show just how vital the Postal Service is more than ever; and,

 

WHEREAS, the Postal Service employs more minorities and women than any other employer in the country, and it is the largest employer of Veterans; and,

 

WHEREAS, many Post Office buildings serve as hubs that bind communities together and are prominent landmarks in many cities and towns which include architectural icons and historic artwork;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim July 26, 2020, as Postal Heritage Day in Michigan.