National Whistleblower Appreciation Day
Each year on National Whistleblower Appreciation Day, whistleblowers whose efforts have shielded the American people from deceit or misconduct are honored. Ensuring that wrongdoing and corruption are not tolerated is a necessary part of residing in a nation with a just legal system. The purpose of National Whistleblower Day is to recognize and appreciate those who have come forward!
Every year on July 30, Whistleblower Day is observed. It is the anniversary of the nation's first whistleblower law. In 1778, the Continental Congress passed this law amidst the American Revolution.
National Whistleblower Appreciation Day was established in 2013 by a unanimous vote of the US Senate as a way to recognize and thank the courageous individuals who have defended democracy and the rule of law in the country.
Founded in 1988, the National Whistleblower Center (NWC) is a nonpartisan, non-profit advocacy and educational organization with its headquarters located in Washington, DC. The NWC began holding an annual event on Capitol Hill in 2015 to recognize and honor the achievements made by whistleblowers.
Politicians and government officials from all parties have put aside their ambitions on this day to honor the freedom enjoyed in a nation that welcomes and encourages the telling of the truth by whistleblowers.
With Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) spearheading the Senate resolution effort and Representatives Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Jackie Speier (D-CA), and Kathleen Rice (D-NY) spearheading the House resolution passage, the 2021 Senate and House resolutions designating July 30 as National Whistleblower Appreciation Day were passed in July.
It is appropriate to commemorate this significant turning point in American history. In recognition of this rich history and the significant contributions whistleblowers have made to upholding American democracy and the rule of law, the US Senate has unanimously declared July 30th to be National Whistleblower Appreciation Day.
Additionally, the National Whistleblower Center (NWC) has been honoring and celebrating the tremendous achievements of whistleblowers with an annual celebration on July 30th.
Although brave workers should be commended, they are far too frequently subjected to harassment, promotions, or termination. There is the need to collaborate to ensure that this kind of retaliation is prohibited and that those who engage in it are held responsible. The good news is that we are still working toward a federal government culture that values whistleblowers' contributions rather than taking negative action against them, owing to initiatives like National Whistleblower Appreciation Day.
The Significance of Federal Recognition of National Whistleblower Day
Since 2013, the US Senate has voted in favor of designating July 30th as National Whistleblower Appreciation Day annually. It came up with the following resolutions:
In observance of National Whistleblower Day, every executive agency shall notify staff, subcontractors, and the general public of their legal entitlement as US citizens to "blow the whistle."
The contributions of whistleblowers to the fight against fraud, abuses of power, risks to the environment, public health and safety, and other legal infractions should be recognized by every executive agency.
This custom must be upheld and developed. In addition to requiring the senior executives of our federal agencies to inform the public and their staff about the ongoing need to eradicate waste, fraud, and abuse, we should pay tribute to the valiant efforts of previous whistleblowers.