“Neither rain, nor snow, nor death of the night, can keep us from our duty.” (Pony Express Motto, ca. 1860)

“Through rain or snow, or sleet or hail, we’ll carry the mail. We will not fail.” (Informal motto of the United States Postal Service.)

We have observed a number of holidays in the past few months. If you are one of many worldwide who send out seasonal cards, we have postal workers who do their best to deliver.

February 4th is actually one of those little-known observances: Thank A Mail Carrier Day! There won’t be a parade or a day off, but to observe we can always thank a postal worker by putting up a little “thank you” sign on our mailboxes. If you are in a post office and see a postal worker, be sure to say, “thank you!”

Let’s turn this into a big day of thanks. I have a neighbour/friend who is a letter carrier. I observe him walking to work, then walking home after work, after spending the majority of his day walking. That deserves respect.

I am personally very thankful for postal workers, delivery drivers, sales clerks, transit workers, and any workers deemed essential in this pandemic. You deserve recognition and support. Thank you!

Ian is a columnist with the paper. He lives in the area.