SUBJECT: National Card and Letter Writing Month

For many years the U.S. Postal Service has highlighted the art of card and letter writing with a weeklong celebration. This year we are quadrupling our opportunities to promote this important tradition by designating April as National Card and Letter Writing Month.

This is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of the importance and historical significance of card and letter writing.

Writing, sending and receiving letters, postcards, and greeting cards is a tradition that has preserved our nation's history and has changed lives-particularly in times of war and times of personal triumph and tragedy. Unlike other communications, card and letter writing is timeless, personal, and immediately tangible.

Card and letter writing also helps improve literacy and promotes creativity among our youth. Starting April 1 the Postal Service is encouraging schools across the country to participate in a special project called, "Birthday Wishes to America," which is a celebration of the nation's 225th birthday on July 4, 2001. Students at hundreds of elementary schools will be designing, writing, and sending birthday wishes that express their personal feelings and hopes for our country.

I encourage you to do your part to ensure that the art of card and letter writing continues to have a place of honor in American culture. The enclosed Community Relations Kit has been developed to assist you in your efforts. Thank you for supporting National Card and Letter Writing Month.