These inscriptions, prominently carved in the white granite of the New York City General Post Office (above) and the former Washington, DC City Post Office (at right), reflect the importance of mail service to civilization. Throughout history, mail has forged bonds of friendship and love, information and commerce.

The letter carriers who deliver mail in the United States are public servants who uphold their public trust by ensuring the safe passage of the mails.

Letter carriers often deliver in the same community for their entire working lives. They are familiar neighborhood figures who care about the people they serve, often helping in dramatic ways while making their rounds. They send for help when senior citizens fail to collect their mail, alert residents to fires, aid accident victims and even stop burglaries. NALC acknowledges many of these quick-thinking carriers in the "Proud To Serve" section of its monthly magazine, The Postal Record, and every year the union selects one national and three regional Heroes of the Year from these stories.