On my way to the Federal Salary Council meeting yesterday, I took some time to pause and reflect on something that is prominently displayed in the lobby of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) headquarters here in Washington, D.C.
Positioned on a stately marble wall in between two American flags are 52 stars–representing each state, the District of Columbia and U.S. Territories—and the inscription “In Grateful Memory of Federal Civilian Employees Who Gave Their Lives for Our Country.”
It was on this date, five years ago that NTEU attended the dedication ceremony. Unveiled in 2013, the Wall of Honor is the first memorial to honor fallen civilian employees from across the executive branch of government. It’s a simple memorial, but when you think about the lives and stories each star represents, it’s moving and powerful. The federal employees recognized come from agencies governmentwide, but they are all heroes who died serving this great nation.
The wall is a reminder for all who pass through OPM—including members of Congress and the Administration—of the courage, commitment and sacrifice made by federal employees. Your work is honorable and essential to our country, and it’s why you deserve a fair paycheck, no matter where you live. NTEU brought that message to the Federal Salary Council and we are advocating strongly for a fair pay raise in 2019 on Capitol Hill.
Thank you for everything you do to make our country strong, safe, caring and prosperous.
