Ronald Reagan

“ I urge all Americans to join with members of the Federal civil service system, and the many professional associations and employee unions which represent them, in commemorating the centennial anniversary of the institution to which they belong and in appreciation of the countless contributions they have made on behalf of all Americans over the past one hundred years. ”

“ Our ability to function effectively in times of trial and upheaval and to prosper when various national crises have passed depends in no small degree upon the contributions of those who make up our civil service system. ”

“ The American civil service system succeeds because of several factors. It is built upon the concept that selection of career government employees must be based upon merit principles, the goal being to hire the most capable and qualified people to do the public's work. ”