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Independence Day
The history of the nation and the founding of the postal system are linked
Thursday, July 4, is Independence Day, the federal holiday that commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
The day is meaningful for all Americans but has added significance for the Postal Service, whose history is inextricably linked with the nation’s fight for independence.
On July 26, 1775, the Second Continental Congress established “a line of posts” from Maine to Georgia, understanding how crucial it was to create a network of communications that kept Colonists’ messages from falling into the British Crown’s hands.
Benjamin Franklin was selected as the first postmaster general. Franklin had served the Crown for decades as joint postmaster general of British North America, but was dismissed in 1774 for being deemed too sympathetic to the Colonies.
He was an obvious choice to lead the Colonists’ new organization, and while his tenure was brief — he served only a few months after adding his signature to the Declaration of Independence — his deep understanding of geography and transportation and his innovative approach to business laid the foundation for today’s organization.
Shakers, in motion
A new video explores the story behind a recent stamp release
The Postal Service has released a video about its new Shaker Design stamps.
The Forever stamps, which were dedicated June 20 in Pittsfield, MA, celebrate the minimalist design of the Shakers, a socially progressive offshoot of mainstream Quakerism.
Participants in the four-minute video include Linda Crawford, the Postal Service’s Southern Area vice president; Carrie Holland, director and CEO of Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield; and Michael Graham, director of Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester, ME.
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Appointments, awards and more
Here’s a look at recent USPS announcements
• Tracy L. Carter has completed an assignment as the Louisville, KY, Post Office’s officer in charge and has resumed her regular duties as Lakewood, OH, customer services manager.
• Chris P. Dorian was named sales strategy and analytics director. He previously served as business evaluation manager.
• Tracy L. Higinbotham was named asset management operations executive manager. She previously served as an asset management supply chain specialist.
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Employees have until July 18 to take cybersecurity course
Postal Service employees must complete a cybersecurity training course by Thursday, July 18.
Employees who miss the deadline will have limited ACE system access until the course is completed.
The CyberSafe Fundamentals course provides the information and best practices employees need to know to keep USPS electronic data secure and protect critical information from cyber threats.
Employees can access the course through HERO on the MyHR website.
For more information, employees should refer to the CyberSafe at USPS Blue page or email the CyberSafe at USPS team.
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What's included
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Independence Day
The history of the nation and the founding of the postal system are linked
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Shakers, in motion
A new video explores the story behind a recent stamp release
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Milestones
Appointments, awards and more
Here’s a look at recent USPS announcements
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Brief
Employees have until July 18 to take cybersecurity course