U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), co-founders of the bipartisan Senate Foreign Service Caucus, have passed a Senate resolution celebrating May 5, 2023 as “Foreign Service Day.” The day recognizes the men and women who have served, or are presently serving, in the Foreign Service of the United States and honors the members of the Foreign Service who have given their lives in the line of duty. Foreign Service Day has been celebrated on the first Friday in May for generations. 2023 marks 99 years since the establishment of the Foreign Service in 1924.
“Day in and day out, our foreign service professionals work tirelessly to strengthen America’s diplomatic relationships, promote our values, and provide vital assistance to U.S. citizens abroad. The work they do is essential to our standing on the world stage, and we are deeply grateful for the sacrifice they and their families make. This bipartisan resolution recognizes the immense contributions and critical importance of their service to our nation and underscores why we must continue working to support our diplomatic corps,” said Senator Van Hollen.
“America’s Foreign Service officers do so much for our country, often with little fanfare or recognition,” said Senator Sullivan. “They are tasked with promoting America’s interests, strengthening national security, and assisting U.S. citizens in the far corners of the globe. I’m glad to have worked with Senator Van Hollen on important legislation that prioritizes officers’ access to State Department opportunities at the conclusion of their service, and also expands private sector employment opportunities for the family members of officers where they serve. Today, we salute the courageous, dedicated members of the United States Foreign Service, and mark this vital diplomatic corps’ 99th anniversary.”
The Foreign Service, comprising 16,000 U.S. personnel, plus 75,000 locally-engaged personnel who serve at embassies and consulates overseas, are members of the Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Department of Commerce, the Foreign Agricultural Service, the Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service, and the U.S. Agency for Global Media.
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