SAN ANTONIO, May 15, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — In tribute to the legends responsible for making American music part of global popular culture, the U.S. Postal Service today proudly announces the launch of a new Music Icons stamp series with the issuance of a stamp honoring Lydia Mendoza, one of the first and greatest stars of Tejano music.
OAKS, Pa., April 5, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ – Today, the U.S. Postal Service celebrated the arrival of spring by dedicating new Vintage Seed Packets Commemorative Forever stamps. These beautiful First-Class stamps, based on photographs of seed packets from a century ago, were dedicated at the Philadelphia National Stamp Exhibition.
“Seed packet art depicts the utmost in floral perfection,” said dedicating official and Postal Service Philadelphia Metropolitan District Manager Chu Falling Star . “At the turn of the early 1900s, packets like those displayed on the stamps encouraged Americans to create the perfect floral garden. The Postal Service’s release of these stamps reminds us about the beauty flowers add to our lives and signals the arrival of spring.”
Four Elegant Forever Stamps Dedicated Today Mark the Occasion
ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla., April 3, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The U.S. Postal Service today commemorated the 500th anniversary of the naming of Florida with the issuance of a block of four colorful Forever stamps, titled “La Florida.” This bouquet of stamps evokes the beauty of the state’s lush flora. The stamp dedication ceremony was held at Flagler College in St. Augustine.
The 46-cent La Florida Forever stamps are produced in four designs. They are good for mailing 1-ounce First-Class letters anytime in the future regardless of price changes and are available for purchase at local Post Offices, online at usps.com/stamps or by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724).
“From the moment Ponce de Leon arrived on these shores, Florida has been a destination for dreamers,” said U.S. Postal Service Southern Area Operations Vice President Jo Ann Feindt in dedicating the stamps. “This state occupies a special place in the American imagination, and so these stamps give people another way to share the wonders of Florida.”
“Being a fifth-generation Floridian who has visited every part of the state and even seen it from space, I can tell you it’s unmatched in its beauty and diverse heritage,” said U.S. Senator Bill Nelson . “It’s fitting the U.S. Postal Service is creating a stamp to commemorate the 500 years of history since Ponce de Leon.”
Joining Feindt in dedicating the new stamps were U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida and St. Augustine Mayor Joseph L. Boles . Also participating were Florida Department of State Secretary Ken Detzner ; Flagler College President Dr. William T. Abare ; and actor Chad Light , who portrays Juan Ponce de Leon for the State of Florida.
To create the La Florida stamps, artist Steve Buchanan of Winsted, CT, evoked a tropical feel, with bouquets of flowers native to the state. He chose flowers of different sizes and colors for distinction but harmonized as a group, much like a garden. He drew and painted the flowers using Photoshop. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamp pane, choosing an illustration of explorers to highlight the celebration of the first Spanish explorations of Florida.
Known today for its towering palm trees, flourishing orange groves and opulent displays of flowers, the state earns the name — La Florida — given by the Spanish in 1513.
The first written record of European exploration was the landing of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon in March 1513. Traveling with three ships, Ponce de Leon came within sight of the peninsula during Easter week of 1513. He named the land La Florida after Pascua Florida , “Feast of the Flowers,” Spain‘s Easter celebration, and for the verdant display of vegetation visible beyond the shores.
In 1845, 332 years after Ponce de Leon first stood on its shores, Florida became the 27th U.S. state.
The Postal Service previously observed the 400th anniversary of the settlement of Florida with a 1965 stamp portraying Pedro Menendez de Aviles . The Postal Service also honored Juan Ponce de Leon with his own stamp in 1982 and celebrated the 150th anniversary of Florida’s statehood with a 1995 stamp.
Customers can view the La Florida stamps, as well as many of this year’s other stamps, on Facebook at facebook.com/USPSStamps, on Twitter @USPSstamps or on the website Beyond the Perf at beyondtheperf.com/2013-preview. Beyond the Perf is the Postal Service’s online site for information on upcoming stamp subjects, first-day-of-issue events and other philatelic news.
Ordering First-Day-of-Issue Postmarks
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase the new stamps at local Post Offices, at usps.com/stamps or by calling 800-STAMP-24. They should address the stamps envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes to themselves or others and place them in larger envelopes addressed to:
La Florida Stamp
U.S. Postal Service
99 King Street
St. Augustine, FL 32084-9998
After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark for fewer than 50 requests. All orders must be postmarked by June 3.
Ordering First-Day Covers
The Postal Service also offers first-day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog, online at usps.com/stamps or by calling 800-782-6724. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-782-6724 or writing to:
U.S. Postal Service
Catalog Request
PO Box 219014
Kansas City, MO 64121-9014
Philatelic Products
Seven philatelic products are available:
470606, Press Sheet with Die Cuts, $73.60 (print quantity of 2,500).
470608, Press Sheet without Die Cuts, $73.60 (print quantity of 2,500).
470610, Keepsake (Pane & Digital Color Postmark Set of 4), $13.95.
470616, First-Day Cover Set of 4, $3.60.
470621, Digital Color Postmark Set of 4, $6.44.
470623, Notecards, $13.95.
470630, Ceremony Program (random), $6.95.
SAN FRANCISCO — The Postal Service saluted American patriotism by issuing the 46-cent First-Class Patriotic Star stamps today.
Available in strips of 25 for consumer use and coils of 10,000 for business customers, the stamps are available at this link and by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724).
“With a history dating back to the original United States flag, the 5-pointed star is literally part of the fabric of our nation,” said U.S. Postal Service Chief Marketing/Sales Officer and Executive Vice President Nagisa Manabe. “It’s often said the Postal Service also is part of the American fabric, for keeping our nation connected. It’s therefore fitting that we honor our joint heritage with the Patriotic Star First-Class stamp.”
Joining Manabe in dedicating the stamps were The Calmark Group Vice President of Postal Affairs Stephen Colella; Postal Regulatory Commission Chairman Ruth Goldway; National Postal Forum Executive Director Maureen Goodson; and, U.S. Postal Service San Francisco District Manager Rosemarie Fernandez.
“Self-adhesive stamps in coils of 10,000 for years have increased stamp affixing productively and efficiency,” said Colella. “Our clients always welcome new designs.”
“This lively and highly decorative new stamp is great for both individuals and business mailers,” added Goldway. “It reminds us of the vital role the mail and the Postal Service play in our nation’s economy and heritage.”
Created digitally by artist Nancy Stahl of New York City under the art direction of Greg Breeding of Charlottesville, VA, the star is designed to appear as if it is crafted from striped ribbon. The design is actually two stars: a small one inside a larger one. Both have five points, like the stars on the American flag.
In recent decades, several stamps have featured the five-pointed star. The 50-Star Runway Air Mail stamp was released in 1968 and featured a rectangular array of white stars on a red background.
In 1976, The United States celebrated its 200th birthday. In 1971, a version of the Bicentennial logo was featured on a U.S. Postage stamp. It featured a red, white, and blue star and the words “American Revolution Bicentennial 1776-1976.”
The USA Circle of Stars stamp (1981) and the Star stamp (2002) were two more issuances featuring the five-pointed star. In 2011, the Postal Service released the Patriotic Quill and Inkwell stamp. The design included five-pointed stars.
Customers may view the Patriotic Star stamp, as well as many of this year’s other stamps, on Facebook at facebook.com/USPSStamps, on Twitter@USPSstamps or on the website Beyond the Perf at beyondtheperf.com/2013-preview. Beyond the Perf is the Postal Service’s online site for information on upcoming stamp subjects, first-day-of-issue events and other philatelic news.
Ordering First-Day-of-Issue Postmarks
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase the new stamped cards at local Post Offices, at usps.com/stampsor by calling 800-STAMP-24. They should address the stamped cards to themselves or others and place them in larger envelopes addressed to:
Patriotic Star Stamp
Debbie Brady/Elisa Sloan NPF
PO Box 7838
San Francisco, CA 94120-7838
After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the stamped cards through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark for fewer than 50 requests. There is a 5-cent charge per postmark for orders exceeding 50. All orders must be postmarked by May 19.
Ordering First-Day Covers
The Postal Service also offers first-day covers for new stamp and stationery issues. These items are postmarked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog, online at usps.com/shop or by calling 800-782-6724. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724 or writing to:
U.S. Postal Service
Catalog Request
PO Box 219014
Kansas City, MO 64121-9014
Philatelic Products
There are two philatelic products available for this stamp issue:
USPS has initiated a new process to get stamps quickly and efficiently into the hands of large mailers.
Starting immediately, large volume mailers can purchase stamps directly from the Postal Service’s Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) and choose how quickly they wish to receive their orders.
Customers can use a 1-2 day “emergency process” designed to supply a large stamp order for pickup at a local Post Office. A second option is a 2-3 day order delivered to the mailer’s address.
Below are details on the two service options:
Mailers who wish to participate must set up automatic clearinghouse account or wire transfer money to SFS. For additional information, contact Lisa Albright (816-545-1282) or Linda Houghtaling (816-545-1235) at SFS.
During the first 90 days of this new process, USPS will evaluate its effectiveness and convenience to customers.
MIDDLEBURG, VA — Perfect for writing short personal notes and business communications, nature and animal lovers will be enamored with the new Deer Forever Stamped postcard that begins migrating from the nation’s Post Offices today.
Good for mailing anytime in the future regardless of price changes, the postcard also is available at usps.com/stamps by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724).
The 37-cent postcard (33-cent postage plus a 4-cent surcharge) is available:
U.S. Postal Service Northern Virginia District Marketing Manager Kimberley Timberlake dedicated the Forever stamped postcard at the First-Day-of-Issue ceremony that took place at the Middleburg Post Office.
“We think our customers will find these beautifully designed postcards perfect for sending quick notes to loved ones and friends,” said Timberlake.
Cathie Bleck of Cleveland Heights, OH, created the Deer Forever Stamped postcard artwork under the direction of Ethel Kessler of Bethesda, MD. The postcard depicts the silhouette of a gold colored white-tailed buck surrounded by gold and green cattails and grasses to capture the deer’s graceful look.
The Whitetail Deer
The whitetail deer is found in many countries around the world and is the most common species of deer in the United States. Excellent runners and swimmers, whitetails can run at speeds exceeding 30 miles per hour.
In the 1800s, people on the frontier fashioned deerskins into jackets, clothing and moccasins, and even traded the skins, known as buckskin, as a form of currency. As a result, a dollar bill is known as a “buck” to this day.
Customers may view the Deer Forever Stamped postcard, as well as many of this year’s other stamps, on Facebook at facebook.com/USPSStamps, on Twitter@USPSstamps or on the website Beyond the Perf at beyondtheperf.com/2013-preview. Beyond the Perf is the Postal Service’s online site for information on upcoming stamp subjects, first-day-of-issue events and other philatelic news.
Ordering First-Day-of-Issue Postmarks
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase the new stamped cards at local Post Offices, at usps.com/stampsor by calling 800-STAMP-24. They should address the stamped cards to themselves or others and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:
Deer Stamped Card
Postmaster
113 W. Washington Street
Middleburg, VA 20117-9998
After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the stamped cards through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark if requests are for less than 50. There is a 5-cent charge per postmark for orders exceeding 50. All orders must be postmarked by May 8.
Ordering First-Day Covers
The Postal Service also offers first-day covers for new stamp and stationery issues. These items are postmarked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog, online at usps.com/shop or by calling 800-782-6724. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-782-6724 or writing to:
U.S. Postal Service
Catalog Request
PO Box 219014
Kansas City, MO 64121-9014
Philatelic Products
Two philatelic products are available:
NEW YORK, March 7, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The influential works of 12 American modern artists were honored today by the United States Postal Service and the Armory Show with the dedication of the Modern Art in America, 1913 — 1931 stamps. The ceremony took place 100 years after the first Armory Show, a groundbreaking international exhibition which offered many a first look at modern art.
Richard Uluski , U.S. Postal Service vice president, Northeast Area Operations, was joined in the ceremony by Noah Horowitz , managing director, The Armory Show; Valerie Paley , vice president, Scholarly Programs and New York Historical Society and honored guest, Dorothy Vogel , The Vogel Collection.
“The Postal Service began issuing postage stamps more than 150 years ago and we understand the power in these miniature works of art to celebrate American heritage history and culture,” said Uluski. “These vivid stamps — a lasting tribute to 12 amazingly talented artists — will grace letters and packages sent to millions of households and businesses throughout the country.”
The Modern Art in America, 1913 — 1931 commemorative First-Class Mail Forever stamps are 46 cents each and are offered in panes of 12 stamps, priced at $5.52 per pane.
The masterpieces reproduced on the Modern Art in America stamps include House and Street (1931), Stuart Davis ; I Saw the Figure 5 in Gold (1928), Charles Demuth ; The Prodigal Son (1927), Aaron Douglas ; Fog Horns (1929), Arthur Dove ; Nude Descending a Staircase, No. 2 (1912), Marcel Duchamp ; Painting, Number 5 (1914-15), Marsden Hartley ; Sunset, Maine Coast (1919), John Marin ; Razor (1924), Gerald Murphy ; Black Mesa Landscape, New Mexico/Out Back of Marie’s II (1930), Georgia O’Keeffe; Noire et Blanche (1926), Man Ray ; American Landscape (1930), Charles Sheeler ; and Brooklyn Bridge (1919-20), Joseph Stella . Art director Derry Noyes worked on the stamp pane with designer Margaret Bauer .To learn more about the stories behind the stamps, visit beyondtheperf.com.
Customers may purchase the Modern Art in America, 1913 – 1931 stamps at usps.com/stamps, at 800STAMP24 (800-782-6724) and at Post Offices nationwide. Many of this year’s other stamps may be viewed on Facebook at facebook.com/USPSStamps, via Twitter @USPSstamps or at beyondtheperf.com/2013-preview.
First-Day-of-Issue Postmarks
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase stamps at a local Post Office, The Postal Store at usps.com/stamps, or by calling 800-STAMP-24. Customers should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in larger envelopes addressed to:
Modern Art in America 1913-1931 Stamps
Postmaster
421 Eighth Ave., Rm. 2029B
New York, NY 10199-9998
After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes by mail. There is no charge for the postmark and all orders must be postmarked by May 7, 2013.
First-Day Covers
The Postal Service also offers first-day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog, online at usps.com/stamps or by calling 800-782-6724. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-782-6724 or writing to:
U.S. Postal Service Catalog Request
PO Box 219014
Kansas City, MO 64121-9014
Philatelic Products
Ten philatelic products are available for this stamp issue:
579606, Press Sheet with Die Cuts, $22.08. (print quantity of 2,500).
579608, Press Sheet without Die Cuts, $22.08. (print quantity of 2,500).
579610, Keepsake (Pane & Digital Color Postmark Set of 12), $24.95.
579616, First-Day Cover Set of 12, $10.80.
579618, First-Day Cover (Full Pane), $8.02.
579619, First-Day Cancelled (Full Pane), $8.02.
579621, Digital Color Postmark Set of 12, $19.32.
579630, Ceremony Program (random single), $6.95.
579631, Stamp Deck Card, $0.95.
579632, Stamp Deck Card w/Digital Color Postmark (random single), $1.96.
SACRAMENTO, Calif., March 1, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Nature lovers will be aflutter now that the U.S. Postal Service is releasing the Bank Swallow Forever Stamped Envelope today.
The 58-cent Forever stamped envelopes (46-cent Forever stamp and 12-cent envelope surcharge), good for mailing 1-ounce First Class letters anytime in the future regardless of price changes, are only available at usps.com/stamps or by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724).
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. Feb. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Raw power gets a stamp of its own today when seven-time NASCAR National Champion Richard Petty helps dedicate the America on the Move: Muscle Cars Forever stamps.
Petty, his son Kyle and Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe will dedicate the limited-edition stamps at the Daytona International Speedway where “The King” won a record seven Daytona 500 Championships.
Typically equipped with big, powerful engines, these high-performance vehicles began roaring across America in the 1960s. The limited edition stamps feature five iconic muscle cars: the ’66 Pontiac GTO, the ’67 Shelby GT-500, the ’69 Dodge Charger Daytona, the ’70 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda and the ’70 Chevelle SS.
DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — On what would have been her 100th birthday, the U.S. Postal Service today issued the Rosa Parks Forever Stamp during the National Day of Courage celebration at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn.
The Rosa Parks Forever Stamp goes on sale today at Post Offices nationwide, and can be purchased online at usps.com/stamps or by phone at 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724).
“Rosa Parks was the epitome of courage. Her single act of defiance changed a nation. Today, her legacy lives on for generations as we bestow upon her one of America’s highest honors,” said Deputy Postmaster General Ronald A. Stroman . “Her quiet strength helped to change a nation. Let this stamp be a symbol of her courage and determination. And, let it remind us to never forget the indignities of days gone by — and to never stop fighting for the aspirations of generations yet unborn.”
Joining Stroman to dedicate the stamp were Patricia Mooradian , president, The Henry Ford Museum; Carolyn House Stewart , international president, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; and the Spain School of Excellence Concert Choir. Honored guests were Sen. Carl Levin , Reps. John Conyers and Gary Peters , civil rights activist Julian Bond , and Elaine Eason Steele , co-founder, Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development.
The National Day of Courage was established to encourage every American to take a stand and commit themselves to do something courageous just as Parks did Dec. 1, 1955, when she refused to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, AL, city bus. That singular act of courage helped spark the civil rights movement and a new era in the American quest for freedom and equality.
Earlier in the day, a special ceremony was held to preview the Rosa Parks stamp at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit. In 1987, Parks co-founded the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development in Detroit to inspire young people to behave in a socially responsible way.
Customers may view the Rosa Parks Forever Stamp and preview other stamps to be issued in 2013 at www.usps.com/stamps and on Facebook at facebook.com/USPSStamps, on Twitter @USPSstamps or on the website Beyond the Perf at beyondtheperf.com/2013-preview. Beyond the Perf is the Postal Service’s online site for information on upcoming stamp subjects, first-day-of-issue events and other philatelic news.
How to Order First-Day-of-Issue Postmark
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at a local Post Office or by calling 800-782-6724. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in larger envelopes addressed to:
Rosa Parks Stamp
Postmaster
1401 W. Fort Street
Detroit, MI 48233-9998
Rosa Parks Stamp
Postmaster
3800 Greenfield Road
Dearborn, MI 48120-9998
After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by April 4, 2013.
How to Order First-Day Covers
The Postal Service also offers first-day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic Catalog, online at usps.com/shop, or by calling 800-782-6724. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-782-6724 or writing to:
U.S. Postal Service
Catalog Request
PO Box 219014
Kansas City, MO 64121-9014
Philatelic Products
There are 10 philatelic products available for this stamp issue:
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