Stamp Overview
In 2011, the U.S. Postal Service® continues its Flags of Our Nation series with 10 more stamp designs that feature the flags of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the states of Ohio through Tennessee.
In addition to the flag art, each stamp design includes artwork that provides a “snapshot view” of the state or other area represented by a particular flag. In most cases, an everyday scene or activity is shown, but occasionally the view is of something less commonplace — rare wildlife, perhaps, or a stunning vista. Unlike some previous multi-stamp issuances, this series is not limited to official animals, flowers, or products; nor is it meant to showcase well-known buildings, landmarks, or monuments.
Artist Tom Engeman, a resident of Bethany Beach, Delaware, created the highly detailed flag portraits and snapshot views on the stamps. Over the years, the artist’s colorful and imaginative designs have appeared on many Postal Service™ products, including the National World War II Memorial stamp (2004) and the nation’s first Forever® stamp (2007).
The following statements describe each of the 10 stamps that will be issued in 2011:
1. Northern Marianas
The blue flag of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands features the outline of a latte stone (a traditional foundation stone used in building), a five-pointed star, and a wreath. Snapshot art shows sandy beaches with coconut palms.
2. Ohio
The state flag is a tapered, swallow-tailed shape, with 17 stars representing when the state joined the Union; the white circle with the red center is an “O” for Ohio. Snapshot art includes a butterfly, milkweed plants, and a stretch of river.
3. Oklahoma
A Native American shield, a peace pipe, and an olive branch appear above the state name on the flag’s blue field. Snapshot art features oil-pumping equipment.
4. Oregon
This navy blue flag bears a shield surrounded by 33 stars, with an eagle at the crest of the shield, the words “State of Oregon,” and the date “1859” (the year Oregon became the 33rd state). A beaver appears on the reverse of the flag (not shown). Snapshot art includes camas lilies and Mount Hood.
5. Pennsylvania
Centered on the flag’s blue field is the state coat of arms, which features a shield supported by two horses; the shield includes a ship, a plow, and three sheaves of wheat. Snapshot art features white-tailed deer.
6. Puerto Rico
The flag of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico has five alternating red and white horizontal stripes; a five-pointed star is centered on the blue triangle on the left. Snapshot art includes a Puerto Rican tody, a colorful little bird found throughout the main island.
7. Rhode Island
Centered on the flag’s white field is a gold ship’s anchor surrounded by 13 stars. Below the anchor is a blue ribbon that displays the word “HOPE”, the state motto. Snapshot art features a sailboat with a spinnaker.
8. South Carolina
The flag’s blue field features a crescent and a palmetto tree, both in white. Snapshot art evokes a marshy area, with gazebo, near the coast.
9. South Dakota
On this light blue flag, the state seal is framed by a serrated yellow border and encircled by the words “South Dakota” and “The Mount Rushmore State”. Snapshot art features a herd of bison.
10. Tennessee
At the center of the red, white, and blue flag are three stars on a white-bordered blue disk. Snapshot art depicts male and female scarlet tanagers.
Design Brief
These “se-tenant” stamps (a philatelic term describing an attached pair, strip, or block of stamps that differ in design, color, or denomination) are arranged alphabetically in strips of 10 and sold in coils of 50 (5 strips of 10 designs in each coil). Individual stamps are twice the width of standard definitives.
Artist Tom Engeman, a resident of Bethany Beach, Delaware, created the highly detailed flag portraits on the stamps, reproducing as accurately as possible — considering the stamp-size format — such complex elements as intricate state seals and coats of arms. Over the years, the artist’s colorful and imaginative designs have appeared on many Postal Service products, including the National World War II Memorial stamp (2004) and the nation’s first Forever stamp (2007).
In addition to the flag art, each stamp design includes a “snapshot view” of the state or other area represented by a particular flag. This artwork, also by Tom Engeman, usually shows an ordinary scene or activity, or a typical plant or animal, but occasionally it depicts something less commonplace. It is not restricted to official animals, flowers, and products; nor is it meant to showcase familiar buildings, landmarks, and monuments.
First Day of Issue and First Day of Sale Postmarks
The Postal Service has authorized a first day of issue postmark design for the first day of issue ceremony in Columbus, Ohio, where all 10 stamps in the coil will be dedicated on August 11, 2011. The Postal Service has also authorized a first day of sale postmark for dedication events held on August 11 in cities other than the officially designated first day of issue city. Customers have 60 days to obtain the first day of issue and the first day of sale postmarks by mail.
The 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 their local Post Office™, at The Postal Store® website at www.usps.com/shop, or by calling 800-STAMP-24. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes to themselves or others, and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:
Flags of Our Nation: Set 5 Stamps
Postmaster
850 Twin Rivers Dr.
Columbus, OH 43216-9998
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 October 11, 2011.
Pictorial Postmarks
Stamp dedication events held on days following the first day of issue or first day of sale events are known as special dedication ceremonies. The first day of sale postmarks, shown here, may be modified for special dedication ceremonies.
To use the first day of sale postmark artwork for a special dedication event, the “FIRST DAY OF SALE” wording must be replaced with the name of the “STATION” where the special dedication event will be held. The postmaster’s city, state, and ZIP Code™ must also appear in the postmark, just under the banner.
Post Offices can offer these postmarks through mailback service for 30 days. The Postal Service must make all postmarking services known to collectors through advance publicity in the Postal Bulletin.You must report all first day of sale and special dedication pictorial postmarks to Stamp Services 2 weeks before the events on PS Form 413, Pictorial Postmark Announcement/Report. You can find the form at http://blue.usps.gov/formmgmt/pt.htm.
First Day of Sale State Postmarks
Guidelines for Finalizing First Day of Sale and Special Dedication Pictorial Postmarks
To finalize the first day of sale and special dedication pictorial postmarks, insert the date and the city, state, and ZIP Code of the postmaster of the city where the event will be held within the postmark banner.
Customers who want a copy of a singular postmark should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes to themselves or others, and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:
Flags of Our Nation
First Day of Sale Special Dedication Postmarks
Postmaster
[Address]
[City, State and ZIP+4 (as reported on PS Form 413)]
After applying the postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All requests must be postmarked by October 11, 2011.
Stamp/Philatelic Products
The following stamp/philatelic products will be available for this stamp issuance:
First Day of Issue, First Day of Sale, and Special Dedication Events
A first day of issue ceremony for the complete fifth set of the Flags of Our Nation stamps will be held in Columbus, Ohio, at the American Philatelic Society Stamp Show on August 11, 2011.
First day of sale ceremonies for the individual Flags of Our Nation stamps will also be held on August 11. Special dedication events will be held after August 11, and pictorial postmarks may be created using the first day of sale artwork, provided the word “Station” is depicted in the postmark.
Suggested Planning Timeline for First Day of Sale and Special Dedication Events
Note: If you have any questions or need help with any of these items, notify your Corporate Communications local contact.
First Day of Sale and Special Dedication Event Tips
Before the Event
Send a written invitation 2 weeks before the event to the mayor of your community and any other local elected officials you feel would be appropriate. The local postmaster or district manager should sign the invitations.
Follow up on the written invitation with a telephone call to the elected official’s scheduler within a week if you have not received a reply. You may need to call more than once.
Keep in touch with all elected officials who respond. If asked, provide updated information to the elected official’s staff as it becomes available (such as who else is participating, where and when to meet, and what his or her role will be). Stress that remarks should be brief and limited to the unveiling of the Flags of Our Nation stamps and recognition of the role of the U. S. Postal Service in celebrating the state’s majestic flag, our nation’s natural features and cultural diversity, and our mission to connect the nation together through affordable, universal service.
If you create a program, include names of all participating elected officials on the program as honored guests, and mention them in all media advisories.
After the Event
Send a written thank you letter to all elected officials who participated in the ceremony, expressing your appreciation.
Provide copies of any newspaper articles about the event to their offices. Even though the officials might see those articles on their own, you can take the opportunity to remind them of the press coverage the event received.
Provide a small supply of extra cachets or covers with the special cancellation, if applicable, to elected officials — even to those who could not attend. These make great giveaways and serve as a positive reminder of the event.
Obtain and frame a photo of the elected official posing beside the stamp image and make an appointment to present it in person, if possible. A matted, well-framed photograph stands a good chance of being hung on the wall of the official’s office, again serving as a positive reminder of the event.
Keep in touch with your elected officials. Good relationships are built over time.
Publicity Ideas
The release of these stamps offers an ideal opportunity for postal communities in each state to celebrate their flag and connect with residents and community leaders. There are many ways to generate local media interest in the stamps:
n Host a Flags of Our Nation celebration of the diversity of your local community. Invite community members to display ethnic foods, arts, and crafts and perform music and dance. Invite caretakers of local historic and scenic venues (e.g., historic buildings, lighthouses, state forests, large parks, and lakes) to have displays at the celebration.
n Host a press conference announcing the issuance of the Flags of Our Nation stamps. Participants might include the postmaster and the head of the local Chamber of Commerce.
n Develop a state flag display at your Post Office and invite operators of establishments such as local historic houses, renovated factories, riverboats, and lighthouses, and local Chambers of Commerce to contribute images for a colorful patriotic display.
n Plan an event at the local library or other public location and include a display of an enlargement of the new stamp for your state flag. Invite appropriate speakers including congressional, civic, and community leaders.
n Invite groups of children (such as children of postal employees, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, and 4H Clubs) to write and illustrate letters about “What My State Flag Means to Me” to be published in the local newspaper.
n Invite groups of children to write “Letters about Our State Flag” to be displayed in the local library or community center, written to a real or imaginary friend about “Great Things to See and Do in [INSERT YOUR STATE NAME HERE].”
Contact Information
First Day of Issue, Columbus, OH
Roy Betts (national contact)
475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10536
Washington, DC 20260-3122
e-mail: roy.a.betts@usps.gov
Telephone: 202-268-3207
|
First Day of Issue, Columbus, OH
Polly Gibbs
475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10802
Washington, DC 20260-3500
e-mail: polly.j.gibbs@usps.gov
Telephone: 202-268-7225
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Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
Duke Gonzales
3600 Aolele St.
Honolulu, HI 96820
e-mail: duke.gonzales@usps.gov
Telephone: 808-423-3713
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Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands
Jerome Giles
475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10802
Washington, DC 20260-3500
e-mail: Jerome.K.Giles@usps.gov
Telephone: 202-268-3745
|
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Martin Caballero
585 Ave FD Roosevelt, Ste. 223
San Juan, PR 00936-9312
e-mail: martin.caballero@usps.gov
Telephone: 787-622-1791
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Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Marita Hines
475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10802
Washington, DC 20260-3500
e-mail: marita.e.hines@usps.gov
Telephone: 202-268-6027
|
Ohio
David Walton
1420 Gardiner Lane, Rm. 110
Louisville, KY 40231-9989
e-mail: David.I.Walton2@usps.gov
Telephone: 502-454-1800
|
Ohio
Talaya Simpson
475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10802
Washington, DC 20260-3500
e-mail: talaya.s.simpson@usps.gov
Telephone: 202-268-7839
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Oklahoma
Dionne Montague
600 N. Sam Houston Pkwy. W
Houston, TX 77067
e-mail: dionne.a.montague@usps.gov
Telephone: 713-226-3278
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Oklahoma
Kate Silina
475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10802
Washington, DC 20260-3500
e-mail: Ekaterina.V.Silina@usps.gov
Telephone: 202-268-7626
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Oregon
Peter Hass
1441 E Buckeye Rd., Rm. 86
Phoenix, AZ 85034-9123
e-mail: phass1@usps.gov
Telephone: 602-223-3649
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Oregon
Jerome Giles
475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10802
Washington, DC 20260-3500
e-mail: Jerome.K.Giles@usps.gov
Telephone: 202-268-3745
|
Pennsylvania
Ray Daiutolo, Sr.
501 Benigno Blvd.
Bellmawr, NJ 08031-9400
e-mail: raymond.v.daiutolo@usps.gov
Telephone: 856-933-6019
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Pennsylvania
Sandra Calos
475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10802
Washington, DC 20260-3500
e-mail: sandra.calos@usps.gov
Telephone: 202-268-7505
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Rhode Island
Christine Dugas
24 Colriss St.
Providence, RI 02904-9998
e-mail: christine.dugas@usps.gov
Telephone: 401-276-3915
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Rhode Island
Marita Hines
475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10802
Washington, DC 20260-3500
e-mail: marita.e.hines@usps.gov
Telephone: 202-268-6027
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South Carolina
Michael Miles
PO Box 599300
North Metro, GA 30026-9300
e-mail: michael.r.miles@usps.gov
Telephone: 770-935-5068
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South Carolina
Kate Silina
475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10802
Washington, DC 20260-3500
e-mail: Ekaterina.V.Silina@usps.gov
Telephone: 202-268-7626
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South Dakota
Pete Nowacki
200 S. 1st Rm. V212B
Minneapolis, MN 55401-2037
e-mail: peter.j.nowacki@usps.gov
Telephone: 612-349-4428
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South Dakota
Sandra Calos
475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10802
Washington, DC 20260-3500
e-mail: sandra.calos@usps.gov
Telephone: 202-268-7505
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Tennessee
Beth Barnett
2491 N. Mt. Juliet Rd.
Mt. Juliet, TN 37122-9998
e-mail: beth.b.barnett@usps.gov
Telephone: 615-773-5546
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Tennessee
Kate Silina
475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10802
Washington, DC 20260-3500
e-mail: Ekaterina.V.Silina@usps.gov
Telephone: 202-268-7626
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Speech Segments
The following suggested speech segments are for use at local ceremonies and events. Feel free to customize them to fit your local event and community.
Opening
Good [INSERT “MORNING”/“AFTERNOON”].
It's a great honor for me to represent the United States Postal Service today as we dedicate the [INSERT STATE NAME] Flags of Our Nation stamp. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our beloved state flag ... and to share our pride with the nation by using these stamps on our correspondence.
With this stamp, the Postal Service continues its tradition of celebrating our nation’s diverse gifts and natural treasures.
Flag Series
For nearly 140 years, the American Flag has been a perennial stamp favorite of the American people. Our flag was first featured in 1869 on the Shield Eagle and Flags stamp. And it has been making highly applauded curtain calls ever since.
We love our flag as a symbol of our country’s unity and pride and the values we hold dear. We revere our flag as a potent reminder that we are one nation, united and indivisible.
Our flag also tells a story. In the 13 stripes, we are reminded of the heroic actions taken by the 13 colonies to form a new nation dedicated to the principle that all people are created equal.
Against a field of blue, we see 50 shining stars … one for each of the 50 states. And each of those states has its own unique history and traditions. Each state brings something very special and important to our national union.
Today, we are here to celebrate one of those shining stars. Today, it is our privilege to pay tribute to the great state of [INSERT STATE NAME]. We are here to honor [INSERT STATE NAME] history, her beauty, and her contributions to our union. And what better way to do that than with the sovereign symbol of our state, the proud flag of [INSERT STATE NAME].
Like the stars in our Star Spangled Banner, the stamp we are about to unveil is part of something greater. The Postal Service will launch a 60-stamp series that will feature the Stars and Stripes, the 50 state flags, five territorial flags, and the District of Columbia flag.
And each of these stamps will also portray a local “snapshot” that captures a bit of the local natural wonder that inspired the beloved song: “America the Beautiful.”
Localization
All news is local, so find an angle that will appeal to the audience.
Closing
The majestic [INSERT STATE NAME] Flags of Our Nation stamp will also serve as a lasting reminder of the Postal Service’s commitment to our role in connecting the nation together through universal service at affordable rates, regardless of which state, territory, or city you call home.
And now, if [INSERT NAMES OF CEREMONY PARTICIPANTS] would join me in unveiling the [INSERT STATE NAME] Flags of Our Nation stamp...
(PHOTO OPPORTUNITY)
I appreciate this opportunity to introduce this stamp to our customers and friends in this community. Thank you again for taking the time to join us here today for this momentous occasion.
# # #
Sample Invitation
[INSERT DATE]
[INSERT NAME]
[INSERT TITLE]
[INSERT NAME OF ORGANIZATION]
[INSERT STREET ADDRESS]
[INSERT CITY, STATE, ZIP+4]
Attention: Scheduler
Dear [INSERT TITLE AND NAME]:
On behalf of the [INSERT NAME OF DISTRICT OR POST OFFICE] and the United States Postal Service, I am pleased to invite you to participate in the dedication of the Flags of Our Nation postage stamps at [INSERT EXACT LOCATION] on [INSERT DATE] at [INSERT TIME]. While this coil of stamps honors 10 state flags, our ceremony will highlight the special role of the [INSERT STATE NAME] state flag stamp.
In 2008, the U.S. Postal Service introduced Flags of Our Nation, a multi-stamp series featuring the 50 state flags, five territorial flags, the District of Columbia flag, and the Stars and Stripes flag. A total of 60 stamp designs will be issued when the series is complete.
In 2011, the U.S. Postal Service continues its Flags of Our Nation series with 10 more stamp designs that feature the flags of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the states of Ohio through Tennessee.
At the dedication ceremony, you will be invited to speak briefly about the significance of the [INSERT STATE NAME] state stamp. We plan a unique photo opportunity for the dedication and expect significant press coverage of the ceremony. We hope you will join us to commemorate our past and celebrate our future by renewing the common bonds of the American experience.
Please confirm your participation by calling [NAME OF CONTACT] at [TELEPHONE NUMBER] by [CUT-OFF DATE]. We look forward to having you join us at the event.
Sincerely,
[SIGN]
[INSERT DISTRICT MANAGER OR POSTMASTER’S NAME]
[“DISTRICT MANAGER” OR “POSTMASTER”]
U.S. Postal Service
[INSERT CITY, STATE, ZIP+4]
Sample Thank You Letter
[INSERT DATE]
[INSERT NAME]
[NAME TITLE]
[INSERT NAME OF ORGANIZATION]
[INSERT STREET ADDRESS]
[INSERT CITY, STATE, ZIP+4]
Dear [INSERT TITLE AND NAME]:
On behalf of the United States Postal Service, I want to thank you for joining us during our special ceremony dedicating our state flag stamp from the Flags of Our Nation stamp series. It was a wonderful event for [INSERT NAME OF COMMUNITY], and your participation helped make it a great success.
All of us in the Postal Service are extremely proud of the role our organization has played as a community leader and in commemorating many of the people, places, and events that have made our nation great. The stamp unveiling ceremony was a wonderful way to share our pride in our state flag’s proud heritage with our friends and neighbors here in [INSERT NAME OF COMMUNITY].
I am enclosing copies of our special pictorial cancellation [IF APPLICABLE] for you to share with your constituents, as well as copies of press clippings and photographs that recorded the event [IF APPLICABLE].
The Postal Service will continue to provide reliable, cost-effective service through the ongoing development of our world-class communications network. I look forward to working with you on future community events. If I can be of assistance with any postal matter, please contact me at [TELEPHONE NUMBER].
Sincerely,
[SIGN]
[INSERT DISTRICT MANAGER OR POSTMASTER’S NAME]
[“DISTRICT MANAGER” OR “POSTMASTER”]
U.S. Postal Service
[INSERT CITY, STATE, ZIP+4]
Sample Letter to the Editor
[INSERT DATE]
[INSERT NAME]
[INSERT TITLE]
[INSERT NAME OF PUBLICATION]
[INSERT STREET ADDRESS]
[INSERT CITY, STATE, ZIP+4]
Dear [INSERT TITLE AND NAME]:
The employees of the [INSERT CITY NAME] Post Office wish to thank the citizens of [INSERT CITY NAME] for their enthusiasm and support in making yesterday’s release of the Flags of Our Nation postage stamps a successful event for our community and for the U.S. Postal Service.
Writing and sending greetings is a tradition that has preserved our nation’s history and changed lives — particularly in times of war and in times of personal triumph and tragedy. Unlike other communications, written correspondence is timeless, personal, and immediately tangible.
Our nation’s commemorative stamp program has been developed over the past 100 years largely through the participation of the American people. Your stamp ideas and suggestions are instrumental in helping the Postal Service honor some of the greatest achievements and achievers that have made our country great.
We believe the Flags of Our Nation [INSERT STATE] stamp, and the nine other stamps in this set, represent important steps in our effort to recognize the history and majesty of the great flags of our nation.
Whether by providing universal mail service to everyone, everywhere, every day, or through our responsibilities as a community leader, the Postal Service will continue to work hard to deliver quality communications services across the country and right here in [INSERT CITY NAME].
Sincerely,
[SIGN]
[INSERT POSTMASTER’S NAME]
Postmaster
U.S. Postal Service
[INSERT CITY, STATE, ZIP+4]
— Community Relations,
Corporate Communications, 7-28-11
