U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) have recently introduced a resolution declaring May 2, 2025, as ‘Foreign Service Day.’ This day is set aside to honor the dedicated men and women who have served, or are currently serving, in the United States Foreign Service.
The resolution also pays tribute to those members of the Foreign Service who have lost their lives in the line of duty, recognizing their ultimate sacrifice for the nation.
Foreign Service Day has a longstanding tradition, being celebrated on the first Friday of May for many generations. Last year, Senators Sullivan and Van Hollen commemorated the Foreign Service’s centennial anniversary, observed on May 24, 2024.
The origins of the Foreign Service as it exists today can be traced back to the Rogers Act of 1924, which unified and reorganized the various Diplomatic and Consular Services into a singularly focused entity.
Since then, the Foreign Service has played a pivotal role in advancing U.S. diplomatic missions around the world, becoming integral to the country’s foreign policy objectives.
‘America’s Foreign Service officers are tasked with promoting America’s interests, strengthening national security, and assisting U.S. citizens in the far corners of the globe, often with little fanfare or recognition,’ said Sen. Sullivan, who co-founded the bipartisan Senate Foreign Service Caucus.
He added, ‘I’m glad to have worked with Senator Van Hollen once again to salute the courageous, dedicated members of the United States Foreign Service.’
Sen. Van Hollen echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the essential functions performed by Foreign Service officers and State Department officials. He remarked, ‘Our Foreign Service officers and State Department officials carry out the vital functions of advancing American diplomacy, promoting our values, and assisting U.S. citizens abroad.’
‘he work they do is essential to our national security and our standing on the world stage, and we are deeply grateful for the sacrifice they and their families make,’ he continued.
Both Senators have highlighted the importance of the bipartisan resolution in recognizing the significant contributions of the Foreign Service to the nation. They also noted their commitment to finding ways to support U.S. diplomats and their families who serve overseas.
Tom Yazdgerdi, president of the American Foreign Service Association, expressed appreciation for the Senators’ efforts. ‘Each year on the first Friday in May, we commemorate Foreign Service Day to honor those who gave their lives in service to their nation, defending the security, prosperity, and fundamental values of the United States,’ he stated.
Yazdgerdi emphasized the readiness of Foreign Service members to face challenges, stating, ‘Members of the Foreign Service remain ready to defend, to take necessary risks, and accept the hardships that come with serving as the first line of defense for our nation.’
The Foreign Service comprises tens of thousands of professionals stationed at hundreds of embassies and consulates worldwide. These personnel are part of various agencies, including the Department of State, the Department of Commerce, the Foreign Agricultural Service, the Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service, and the U.S. Agency for Global Media.
In 2017, Senators Van Hollen and Sullivan co-founded the Foreign Service Caucus to create a bipartisan forum for addressing the challenges faced by U.S. Foreign Service members globally. This caucus aims to develop policy solutions supporting the diplomatic mission abroad.
As part of their leadership role, the Senators worked on passing the Foreign Service Families Act, which became a part of the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This legislation aims to attract and retain high-caliber diplomatic personnel by expanding career opportunities and support for eligible family members, mirroring the resources extended to military families.
image source from：https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-van-hollen-recognize-us-foreign-service-day-2025
