Many Foreign Service officers died while presenting their services for the US. People see the marble plaques of their names when entering the State Department through the C Street entrance. There are many places in the list where these officers lost their lives such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Nairobi, Beirut, Namibia, Vietnam, Bosnia, Cyprus, Benghazi, and many other locations.
Also these unique plates are a reminder of the dangers that Foreign Service workers face day by day. They also highlight the everyday, often unglamorous tasks performed by thousands of individuals working on the front lines of American diplomacy.
The celebration of the 100th anniversary of US foreign service is done on Friday. It was developed in 1924 when Congress passed the Rogers Act. It combined the diplomatic and consular services of the United States into the Foreign Service.
From this time on, United State diplomats have been doing different tasks. It includes the replacement of lost passports for American travelers. The purpose of this service is to assist US business in foreign market. And also keeping the US leaders informed about local conditions.
However, the root purpose of the Foreign Service has never changed. It promotes American interest, policies and values worldwide.
Currently the number of Americans that are working in Foreign Service are 15,600. They are based at 271 embassies and consulates in 173 countries, and 11 missions to international organizations. There are many individuals included in the Foreign Service. People are from the Foreign Agricultural Service within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Foreign Commercial
Service of the Department of Commerce, and the Agency for International Development.
One quote that is written in the Des Moines Register by a retired Ambassador, “While the popular image of a diplomat’s life might be of attending fancy receptions, the reality is that terrorism and regional conflicts have become a constant threat for Foreign Service personnel everywhere, with constant danger and significant loss of life.”
It is not glamorous to workin the Foreign Service. The aim behind these working is the American long-term foreign policy success.
The duty of the US diplomats is not easy. They work in war zones and countries full of terrorism. They update the US leaders and commanders about the foreign challenges and also give advice to them. Furthermore, they also work for public health and human rights. Checking agricultural progress is also included in their duties.
Media don’t give attention to Foreign Service workers, except during crises. When U.S. Ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy and her team visit Americans unfairly imprisoned in Russia, like Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, it grabs global media attention. At the same time US Embassy workers oftenly meet the imprisoned Americans and also people that commit crimes.
Diplomats do their best to help the American business and farmers to compete worldwide. They also protect them from dishonest foreign actors. Their main task is to represent the US to governments and international organizations globally. US leaders also get help from them to handle the complications of foreign policy.
According to Secretary Antony Blinken “ he know “how many people are counting on our Foreign Service, in so many different ways.” He wrote this in the latest 100th-anniversary edition of the Foreign Service Journal.
Additionally the Foreign Services include:
- Give new path to small business to expand worldwide
- Availability of scholarships to students to study in their desired country
- Disrupting the supply chains that bring fentanyl into our communities to protect Americans
- Supporting conservation efforts to protect the environment
Diplomats work hard and are honest about their duties. They are guided by a strong sense of patriotism. With peaceful and strong methods they have a desire to promote US values and interest.
James Baker also wrote in Foreign Service journal during the occasion of its 100th anniversary. According to him, “Rogers’ idea of a professional Foreign Service has become a reality, one that plays an important role in keeping our nation safe, secure, and strong.”
Every new generation of America’s diplomats should aim for this tradition. Strengthening this foundation will enable the U.S. to adapt to the future world and maximize its potential.
