WASHINGTON, DC—Throughout this Public Service Recognition Week, we have shared your reasons for choosing to serve.

Some of those reasons have specifically revolved around our values, like safety, diversity and interdependence. None of us can serve without leaning in to safety: physical, social and psychological.

We value the ability to serve our country, and the agency values each of you. We thank you for your dedication to our mission, and to providing a safe environment for the visitors who come to America's public lands for respite and recreation.

As we wrap up this week, we once more share your own words about why you serve.

“I serve because I want to give back and provide a service so that the future generations have a place to enjoy as I have these 31 years of service.” – Fish and Wildlife Program Manager, Utah

“I serve because in 2017 I took the Americorps pledge. Since then, I have lived many places and held many titles, but I pledged that I would carry that commitment with me beyond my term of service as a volunteer. The weight of that pledge grew on me over time. ‘I will get things done for America—to make our people safer, smarter, and healthier. I will bring Americans together to strengthen our communities. Faced with apathy, I will take action. Faced with conflict, I will seek common ground. Faced with adversity, I will persevere.’” – Recreation Program Manager, North Carolina

Our Forest Service values are (and should be) evident in everything we do and how we do it. By themselves, they don’t tell us the solution to a problem. They guide us, telling us what to consider. In so doing, we advance our agency’s mission in ways that allow us to stay true to who we are and what we believe. Thank you all for helping celebrate one another and why we serve.