The United States Post Office has been in existence since 1775 and now employs well over half a million American workers. Benjamin Franklin became the first head of the post office, called the Postmaster General, during the 2nd Continental Congress — back when we were getting ready for war with Britain and writing the first constitution. They’ve gotten pretty busy since then! In 2019, the post office delivered over 142 BILLION pieces of mail. When you figure in how many hours and days per year the post office workers actually deliver mail, that means that the USPS delivers 10,894 items of mail each second!
In 1997, a Seattle postal worker named Richard E. Baker convinced the managers of the USPS in Washington to create a day to recognize the hard work of the post office employees. Ever since, July the 1st has been celebrated as National Postal Workers Day. [source]
Who are the Postal Workers?
You’re probably most familiar with the mail carrier who delivers to your neighborhood, but there are many thousands of workers who make the entire system possible. Delivery drivers, mail handlers, sorters & processors, post office box clerks, and window clerks. Most people don’t know that the post office has its own law enforcement police called the Postal Inspection Service, and their job is to make sure that all the mail delivered is safe for the public and follows the rules of delivery.
Did You Know…
- Some mail in Alaska used to be delivered by dog sled.
- Before airplanes tons of mail went by train — and they’d toss sacks of mail it on and off without stopping!
- The US has more post offices than McDonald’s, Walmart’s, and Starbucks combined.
- In Michigan and Alabama there are riverfront mail delivery routes where the mail carrier has to travel by boat.
- People frequently mail baby chicks through the post office!
How to Celebrate
This is a holiday that recognizes the hard work and important job of postal workers in this country. An easy way to participate is to leave a ‘Thank You’ note inside your mailbox for your carrier to read.
Another way to participate is to take a trip to your local post office and snap a few pictures of the experience. It’s also a good time to buy stamps if you need them!
Of course, you could participate in the day by sending a letter to someone you know (even if they live in the same house as you!). You’ll need to buy a stamp, but you can even make an envelope out of paper if you seal it well. If you plan ahead, you can even order stamps online and have them mailed to you. The cheapest thing you can mail is a postcard, so if you have one of those it’s a great time to put it to use. If not, you can make your own with some slightly thick paper!
Worksheets and Activities
Don’t build from scratch. We have your celebration projects for download right here:
- National Postal Workers Day Coloring Pages
- National Postal Workers Day Activity Worksheets
- National Postal Workers Day Project Pages