National Thank a Mailman Day, celebrated on February 4, is a day set aside to give recognition to mailmen across the United States. For six days of the week and 52 weeks a year, mailmen work hard to deliver letters and documents that are important to you. And they do all that they can to ensure your mail reaches you on time. Imagine driving around town and stopping by hundreds of houses every day. It’s not a piece of cake, is it? Well, this is exactly why your mailman needs to be honored at this time of year. So make sure to thank your mailman if he drops by today!
History of National Thank a Mailman Day
Mail delivery is a service that has existed for centuries and was most essential when there were no phones or internet. Men would travel for days to send a letter across. This system started in Mesopotamia, around the time when people started writing on clay tabs. However, the state did not appoint a courier system till around 2400 B.C. in ancient Egypt. During this time, the Pharaohs would often send messages through individuals designated as couriers. A similar format was used in ancient China between 306 B.C. and 221 A.D. to administer taxes. And at that time there were no envelopes. Envelopes were developed around the 2nd century B.C. and were made of cloth or animal skin.The modern mail system as we know it did not come into being until 1653. It was first set up in Paris by Jean-Jacques Renouard de Villayer, who put up mailboxes and delivered the letters that were placed inside. This delivery system was set up as a business idea by Villayer.The postal office in the U.S started in 1775 and was a government agency that delivered mail to and from the citizens of the country. Mail delivery was also very important during the time of World War I and II since letters were the sole medium of communication with soldiers who had gone to war. Today, the post office is used to send letters and packages to people residing in different parts of the world.
National Thank a Mailman Day timeline
The first post office is established at a tavern in Boston.
The Post Office Department is founded.
George Washington’s photo is posted on the first stamp.
The first stamp featuring an African American is issued.
National Thank a Mailman Day FAQs
Can you tip a mailman?
According to federal regulations, you can only tip a mailman with a gift that costs $20 or less.
Can a mailman refuse to deliver mail?
The delivery can be refused in the case where a mailbox is blocked.
Can a mailman skip your house?
Yes, a mailman can skip a house if the mailbox is inaccessible.
National Thank a Mailman Day Activities
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Thank your mailman
Say thank you to your mailman the next time they drop by. Or give them a card to remind them of the great services they provide.
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Offer them dessert
Dessert is one of the best ways to show someone how grateful you are. This could be a cupcake, a cake slice, or even a cookie.
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Get your mailman a gift
If you have had the same mailman for years, it is time you show your affection by getting the mailman a small gift. No one can resist a gift from the heart.
5 Fun Facts About Mail
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The U.S. Postal Service Mail delivery
With at least 31, 000 offices and locations in the United States, the U.S.P.A. delivers more than 128 billion pieces of mail yearly.
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Postal Service buildings registered
There are over 1,400 Postal Service buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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The first Postmaster General
The first Postmaster General was Benjamin Franklin.
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America’s first female postmaster
She was Mary Katherine Goddard, and she served under Benjamin Franklin.
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People employed by the U.S postal service
7.5 million people have a job in the U.S postal service.
Why We Love National Thank a Mailman Day
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It raises the spirits of mailmen
The day is essential since it shows gratitude to mailmen. It encourages them to continue doing their job with enthusiasm.
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It’s a good gesture to thank someone
Thanking someone for the duties they perform daily is always a good gesture. It also helps spread positivity.
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Highlights the relevance of mailmen
The day highlights the important role mailmen play in our lives, even in today’s modern world. Mailmen still deliver numerous important documents daily.
National Thank a Mailman Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | February 4 | Saturday |
| 2024 | February 4 | Sunday |
| 2025 | February 4 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | February 4 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | February 4 | Thursday |
