OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL — The U.S. Postal Service today dedicated the Star Ribbon Forever stamp during a first-day-of-issue ceremony at the American Stamp Dealers Association, Inc., (ASDA) Midwest Postage Stamp Show.

“This beautiful stamp features the five-pointed star, one of America’s most enduring symbols,” said Michael J. Elston, acting secretary of the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors and the stamp ceremony’s dedicating official. “The Star Ribbon Forever stamp is a modern take on patriotic stamps and evokes the connectedness of the American people, reminding us that there is so much more that unites us than divides us.”

Elston was joined by Kristin Maravelias, vice president, American Stamp Dealers Association, and Michael J. McInturf, area marketing manager, Great Lakes Area, U.S. Postal Service.

The Star Ribbon stamp features a digital illustration of a star made from a single red, white and blue ribbon. The stamp is being sold in coils of 3,000 and 10,000 and in panes of 20.

The five-pointed star made its first appearance on a U.S. postage stamp in 1855 in what was only the sixth new stamp design after stamps started being issued in 1847.

Aaron Draplin, who designed the tri-colored ribbon stamp and folded it into a patriotic symbol, created the artwork first by sketching the design by hand and then rendering it digitally. Greg Breeding served as the project’s art director.

News of the stamp is being shared on social media using the hashtag #StarRibbonStamp. Followers of the Postal Service’s Facebook page can view a recording of the ceremony at facebook.com/USPS.

Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shop, by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724), by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

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