February 4, 2021 – Optimist Day | National Thank A Mail Carrier Day

Are You A Glass Half Full Person? This Is Your Lucky Day!

Welcome to February 4th, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate unbeatable optimism and a job well done.

When it comes to looking on the bright side, some people seem plum crazy. Take Joe Namath, the young hotshot Quarterback for the New York Jets. In 1969, his team was about to play the heavily favored Baltimore Colts for the NFL championship. In the week leading up to the game, Namath was giving an interview and someone shouted out “The Colts are going to kick your butts.” Without hesitation, Joe shot back “Hey, I got news for you. We’re going to win Sunday, I’ll guarantee you.” His own head coach couldn’t believe what he’d just heard and scolded Namath for shooting off his big mouth. But Namath turned out to be right, leading his team to the championship and one of the biggest upsets in sports history. On Optimist Day, we celebrate the dreamers, the believers, and those who never say quit, no matter what the odds.

Benjamin Franklin once said, “Well done is better than well said.”  When it comes to the United States Postal Service, which Franklin founded in 1775, mail carriers have been getting the job done for more than two centuries.  We may take this service for granted or complain when it doesn’t work in our favor, but postal workers have successfully delivered letters in the trillions.  And sometimes this happens in mysterious ways.  Take the story of Susan Heifetz, who received not one but three letters lost since 1969.  A birthday card from her mother, a letter from a boyfriend sent overseas to Vietnam and another card from her brother, arrived within one week of each other 45 years later.  On National Thank A Mail Carrier Day we celebrate a job well done that happens most often come rain or shine.  

I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson.  Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day.


Leave a Reply

LISTEN to the National Day Calendar Radio Short.