As a former federal worker with 39 years of service with the Department of Defense, the Fourth of July is an important day for me. Since the dawn of our nation, federal workers have played a significant role in America’s achievements.

The contributions of federal workers were very much in evidence as Americans prepared to celebrate our nation’s birthday. Millions of Americans checked a weather report prepared by the National Weather Service, grilled meat inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and flew in skies kept safe by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Security Administration. Others enjoyed time outdoors in our national parks, traveled with children protected by car seats inspected by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and visited post offices to mail letters and packages to loved ones serving in the military.

My fellow federal workers and I are proud of the jobs we’ve done for America for the last 236 years. We wish you, and the nation we love, a happy Independence Day.

Robert E. Johns
Poulsbo