May 2004

DISTRICT MANAGERS, CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SALES
POSTMASTERS

SUBJECT: National World War II Memorial Stamp

The United States Postal Service® will dedicate the National World War II Memorial commemorative postage stamp through a first-day-of-issue ceremony as part of the May 29 National World War II Memorial dedication ceremony in Washington, DC. While Washington, DC, has been designated as the event's location, the stamp will be available nationwide the same day.

Nearly 40 percent of our employees have a military background, and we are proud of the role the Postal ServiceTM will play in the `Tribute to a Generation: National World War II Reunion' program. The ceremony will honor the achievements and ideals of the 16 million Americans who served in the armed forces during World War II, as well as the millions more who supported their efforts on the front.

Throughout the coming year, there will be opportunities in every community across the nation to honor local World War II veterans. We urge you to plan your own local events to celebrate the issuance of this long awaited stamp, and to honor the men and women whose and sacrifice contributed to the cause of freedom.

The following field publicity kit will help you implement National World War II Memorial stamp events in your community by providing you with planning ideas, veterans' contacts, talking points, media releases and Government Relations and Public Affairs and Communications contacts. Be sure to utilize the expertise of these two teams as you develop and plan local events.

As we make plans to promote the National World War II Memorial stamp, we want to take this opportunity to thank you for your support. Promoting the Postal Service's stamp program provides us with a unique way to gain community support for Postal Service public policy programs and helps strengthen our ties with the communities we serve.

Azeezaly S. Jaffer
Vice President,
Public Affairs and Communications

cc: Area Vice Presidents

Publicity Kit

National World War II Memorial Stamp

Publicity Ideas to Interest the Media

Overview

The National World War II Memorial stamp will be issued on May 29 just prior to the "Tribute to a Generation: National World War II Reunion" program at the dedication ceremony for the National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. The memorial is located between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. Although this is a nationwide issuance, you will have many opportunities throughout the year to hold a dedication or "second day" event for the National World War II Memorial stamp.

Local and national publicity will help raise awareness of America's World War II generation and increase stamp sales at Post OfficesTM far beyond the date of issuance. There are many ways to interest local media in your National World War II Memorial stamp events.

Following are some methods to capture media attention.

Copy the First Day Event Theme

The first-day-of-issue event will take place May 29.

Keep in mind that this stamp has significant national and political importance; therefore, it is a good idea to contact your Postal ServiceTM Government Relations representative for guidance in involving elected officials when planning your event (list included at the end of this kit).

Senators and congressional representatives, as well as veterans' organizations, will be interested in this stamp and the events surrounding it.

Your area Public Affairs and Communications (PAC) representatives are available and ready to assist you in publicity for your events. (See "Area Public Affairs and Communications Managers" list on page 18.)

Other Event Ideas

Look for opportunities to sponsor events with local community groups, service organizations, and veterans groups (see list on page 3).

Invite employees, local civic leaders, politicians, and local veterans to be a part of your event. This could be an event at the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) or other local veterans service associations.

A simple stamp dedication in your Post Office lobby is always a great way to generate publicity for the National World War II Memorial stamp and the Postal Service's educational stamp program.

Check with local TV cable stations that may regularly host a patriotic, history, or military program or other community service-oriented programs to see if they are interested in covering your event or if they would consider inviting event participants on the program.

Implement any of these ideas, combine them, or brainstorm with your employees to come up with ideas of your own. Using the publicity materials in this kit, be sure to publicize each and every event to your local newspaper, radio, and television stations via press releases, media advisories, and letters to the media. And don't forget to make follow-up phone calls.

Veterans Service Associations

Suggested Contact Information

AMVETS
4647 FORBES BLVD
LANHAM MD 20706-4380

Telephone: 301-459-9600
Toll-Free: 877-726-8387
Fax: 301-459-7924
E-mail: amvets@amvets.org

VFW (VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS)
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ROBERT E WALLACE
200 MARYLAND AVE NE
WASHINGTON DC 20002-5724

Telephone: 202-543-2239
E-mail: info@vfw.org

AMERICAN GOLD STAR MOTHERS INC
2128 LEROY PL NW
WASHINGTON DC 20008-1813

Telephone: 202-265-0991
E-mail: agsmoms@aol.com

BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR THOMAS H MILLER
477 H ST NW
WASHINGTON DC 20001-2694

Telephone: 202-371-8880
E-mail: bva@bva.org

CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR SOCIETY
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS VICTORIA LESLIE
40 PATRIOTS POINT RD
MT PLEASANT SC 29464

Telephone: 843-884-8862

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DAVID W GORMAN
807 MAINE AVE SW
WASHINGTON DC 20024-2410

Telephone: 202-554-3501
Web site: www.dav.org

JEWISH WAR VETERANS OF THE USA
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HERB
ROSENBLEETH
1811 R ST NW
WASHINGTON DC 20009

Telephone: 202-265-6280
Web site: www.jwv.org

PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DELATARRO L MCNEAL
801 18TH ST NW
WASHINGTON DC 20006-3517

Telephone: 202-872-1300

THE AMERICAN LEGION
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOHN F SOMMER JR
1608 K ST NW
WASHINGTON DC 20006

Telephone: 202-263-2986

MARINE CORPS LEAGUE
PO BOX 3070
MERRIFIELD VA 22116
POC: BROOKS CORLEY

Telephone: 703-207-9588
E-mail: execdir@mcleague.org

LEGION OF VALOR OF THE USA INC
NATIONAL ADJUTANT PHILIP J CONRAN AFC
4706 CALLE REINA
SANTA BARBARA CA 93110-2018

Telephone: 805- 692-2244
E-mail: pconran@att.net

(This organization is only for those holding one of the two highest medals for valor: Medal of Honor or Army Cross/Navy Cross/Air Force Cross.)

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR
UNIFORMED SERVICES
MG RICHARD MURRAY
PRESIDENT
5535 HEMPSTEAD WAY
SPRINGFIELD VA 22151-4094

Telephone: 703-750-1342

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
BLACK MILITARY WOMEN (NABMW)
MS CONSTANCE BURNS
WASHINGTON LIAISON
103 THIRD AVE BLD 35
FORT MCNAIR DC 20319-5058

Telephone: 202-685-2470

Event Planning Checklist

When planning National World War II Memorial stamp events, keep the following suggestions in mind:

• Begin planning immediately.

• Contact your nearest Veterans office, Department of Veterans Affairs, American Legion Office, or other military-related office to see if they can participate in a National World War II Memorial stamp event in your city.

• Set a date.

• Secure participants.

• Order enlargements of the stamp image, flyers, and other supplies for the event.

• Prepare a special pictorial cancellation, if applicable. (See the announcement form on following page.)

• Secure staging and sound equipment, if applicable.

• Plan signage, including a podium sign and banners.

• Launch a local publicity campaign using the materials in this kit.

• Draft a sequence-of-events agenda and speaker remarks.

• Plan retail opportunities (booth, bag stuffers, etc.).

• Prepare ceremony programs and invitations.

Cancellations

If a pictorial cancellation has not been produced from a national level, Post OfficesTM planning events should feel free to design their own special pictorial cancellation. As a reminder, the Postal ServiceTM must endeavor to make all unusual postmarking services widely known to collectors through advance publicity to avoid limiting the availability of these postmarks. Therefore, all pictorial cancellations must be reported to Stamp Development 3 weeks before local events. Please use the announcement form on the following page to report your use of a cancellation.

Guidelines for Finalizing National World War II Memorial Stamp Pictorial Cancellation Art

To finalize National World War II Memorial stamp pictorial cancellation art, insert the date, city, state, and ZIP CodeTM of the physical location of your event adjacent to the stamp image. Overall dimensions of the pictorial cancellation must not exceed 4 inches horizontally by 2 inches vertically. Collectors prefer the dimensions 3 1/2 inches by 1 inch.

Second Day Cancellations

Second day cancellations are pictorial cancellations and follow the same guidelines as above. The word Station or the abbreviation STA is required somewhere in the design, since it will be a temporary station.

Stamp Enlargements and Reproductions

To obtain enlargements of stamp images for local dedication ceremonies, or for reproductions of stamp images - including digital files, prints, and transparencies - contact:

VICTOR PULUPA
DODGE COLOR
4827 RUGBY AVE
BETHESDA MD 20814-3028

Phone: 301-656-0025, ext. 212

Please plan ahead and allow at least a 2-week lead time for production and shipping.

Products and Licensing

National World War II Memorial Stamp Products

National World War II Memorial Stamp Cancellation Keepsake (stamp pane and first day cover) $8.15

Licensing and Use of National World War II Memorial Stamp Image

Listed below is a selection of licensees that can create products featuring the National World War II Memorial stamp. Please call them directly to order.

For additional information about licensing and use of the National World War II Memorial stamp image, please contact Licensing@usps.com.

National World War II Memorial Stamp Facts and Suggested Talking Points

• The U.S. Postal Service® will issue this commemorative U.S. postage stamp, honoring the achievements and ideals of the 16 million Americans who served during World War II and the millions more who supported their efforts on the front, on May 29, 2004, just before the dedication ceremony for the National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC.

• The National World War II Memorial stamp depicts the National World War II Memorial, which is located in Washington, DC, between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.

• Stamp artist Tom Engeman used computer-generated imagery to recreate the Friedrich St. Florian- designed structure for the stamp.

• The stamp image shows one of two large memorial arches with a section of the curving row of 56 pillars in the background, each representing a state or territory from the World War II era.

• 96.4 million stamps will be printed.

• Postmaster General John E. Potter unveiled the stamp design for Postal ServiceTM employees in Washington, DC, at a Veterans Day observance at Postal Service Headquarters on November 10, 2003.

• Stamp collecting is a fun activity for the entire family that helps children learn about the world they live in.

• Customers can get information about stamps and other Postal Service products by calling our toll-free number: 1-800-STAMP-24 or by going to our Web site: www.usps.com.

Selection of Stamp Subjects

As with all of our stamp subjects, the ideas and suggestions for stamps come in to the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC) from American citizens. CSAC carefully reviews every one of the 50,000 recommendations it receives each year against a long list of criteria. The subjects it selects then go to the postmaster general for final selection. CSAC and the Postal Service are interested in providing a diverse stamp program to the American public that appeals to a wide audience of varied interests and best represents the people, events, and accomplishments that have shaped our nation.

Suggested Public Relations Time Line

Note: If you have questions or need assistance with any of these items, please contact your area's Public Affairs and Communications (PAC) representative.

Participation of Public Officials

Stamp events present perfect opportunities to involve public officials in important and positive local events. There is likely to be keen interest in the National World War II Memorial stamp, as it provides elected officials a chance to interact with constituents in a friendly, civic setting with secured media coverage.

You are encouraged to reach out directly to your federal, state, and local elected officials. Government Relations representatives are available to assist you in coordinating involvement and would be pleased to help in any way.

This section of the publicity kit contains simple guidelines, a suggested invitation list, and the names and telephone numbers of your Government Relations contacts.

Before the Event

Coordinate with your Government Relations representative before sending a written invitation to your two U.S. senators, your congressional representatives, or the governor of your state. When making your invite list, be sure to include the mayor or any other local elected officials you deem appropriate. The local postmaster should sign the invitations.

Follow up 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 (e.g., who else is participating, where and when to meet, what his or her role will be, etc.). Stress that remarks should be brief and limited to the dedication of the National World War II Memorial stamp.

Include the names of all participating elected officials on the official program as honored guests as scheduled to appear, and mention them in all media advisories, if applicable.

Provide a courtesy copy of the program to the elected officials in advance.

After the Event

Send a written thank you to all elected officials who participated in the ceremony, expressing your appreciation.

Provide copies to their offices of any newspaper articles about the event. Even though they surely will see those articles on their own, you can take the opportunity to remind them of the press coverage the event received.

Provide a supply of extra cachets 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. As a reminder, pictorial cancellations have not been produced on the national level, but feel free to design and produce your own version.

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.

National World War II Memorial Stamp Dedication Speech

The following suggested speech may be used at local ceremonies and events to support and promote the National World War II Memorial stamp. Feel free to customize it to fit your local event and community.

Good [INSERT "MORNING/AFTERNOON"]

I'm [INSERT NAME OF POSTMASTER/DISTRICT MANAGER/MC] and it's a tremendous honor for me to represent the United States Postal Service® today as we dedicate the National World War II Memorial stamp.

The National World War II Memorial stamp is a welcome addition to our gallery of significant events in American history, and joins the Postal Service's 2004 stamp program, celebrating the people, events, and history of our nation. Many Americans become inspired to learn more about the stamp subjects they see on their letters and packages, and thousands more become collectors every year.

Stamps are unique reminders of the amazing, triumphant, and spectacular accomplishments that shape the world we live in, and clearly show that the Postal ServiceTM does more than provide mail service. The real power of the Postal Service is our ability to connect people.

This new stamp honors the achievements and ideals of the 16 million Americans who served during World War II as well as the millions more who supported them on the front. The stamp image itself is a depiction of the newly dedicated National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. The memorial is between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, just east of the Reflecting Pool.

Nearly 40 percent of our employee workforce comes to us from the military. I'm here today to tell you that the 729,000 who deliver the mail salute the millions of Americans whose efforts preserved the unity of our nation during World War II. When you use this stamp, I hope it will remind you and all Americans of the courage of our men and women who served in the armed forces, as well as those who supported them from to ensure the freedom we enjoy today.

I would like to thank all of you and all of our guests for joining us here today.

Now, would [INSERT NAMES OF DEDICATION PARTICIPANTS IF APPLICABLE] join me as we dedicate the National World War II Memorial stamp.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT DATE] [INSERT YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Internet: www.usps.com

MEDIA ADVISORY

VETERANS HONORED IN [INSERT CITY] DURING DEDICATION
OF NEW POSTAGE STAMP

Event: Dedication of National World War II Memorial Commemorative postage stamp

Who: [LIST ONLY DIGNITARIES, KEY POSTAL OFFICIALS AND ANY WELL- KNOWN SPECIAL GUESTS PARTICIPATING OR ATTENDING THE EVENT.]

What: [DESCRIPTION OF WHY THIS EVENT IS NEWSWORTHY; LIST ANY ENTERTAINMENT, STAMP COLLECTABLES, ETC.]

When: [INSERT HOUR, DAY AND DATE.]

Where: [INSERT EXACT LOCATION OF EVEN.]

Background: The National World War Ii Memorial Commemorative Postage Stamp was [OR WILL BE] issued on May 29, 2004. The dedication and issuance of this stamp honors the achievements and ideals of the 16 million americans who served in the U.S. armed forces during World War II and the millions more who supported their efforts on the front. This ceremony honors those who served from [NAME OF TOWN OR AREA].

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT DATE] [INSERT YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Internet: www.usps.com

SAMPLE NEWS RELEASE TO BE ISSUED A FEW WEEKS BEFORE EVENT

[Use this as a guide for creating your "day-of" event news release. Use past tense and include information such as crowd turnout, activities associated with the event, etc.]

NATIONAL WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL POSTAGE STAMP
HONORS VETERANS WHO SERVED

[INSERT NAME OF YOUR CITY] - The achievements and ideals of the men and women who served in the armed forces during World War II will be the focus of attention on [INSERT DATE] when the U.S. Postal Service® and [INSERT ORGANIZATION/SPECIAL GUEST] will dedicate the National World War II Memorial commemorative postage stamp during a ceremony at [INSERT LOCATION]. The 37-cent National World War II Memorial stamp is now available at Post OfficesTM nationwide.

[INSERT CITY] Postmaster [INSERT POSTMASTER'S NAME] will dedicate the stamp to recognize and pay tribute to the men and women who worked to preserve the freedom of our great nation during World War II. Scheduled to join [INSERT POSTMASTER'S LAST NAME] at the ceremony will be [INSERT CELEBRITY OR LOCAL/AREA DIGNITARIES].

[INSERT OTHER NOTABLE HAPPENINGS AT EVENT].

"[INSERT QUOTE]," said [INSERT POSTMASTER'S LAST NAME].

This new stamp is part of the Postal Service's 2004 stamp program, a program that celebrates the people, events and history of our nation. Stamps are unique reminders of the amazing, triumphant and spectacular accomplishments that shape the world we live in, and clearly show that the Postal ServiceTM does more than provide mail service - the real power of the Postal Service is an ability to connect people.

The stamp image features a computer-generated design by stamp artist Tom Engeman, depicting the National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. The memorial itself was designed by Providence, RI, architect Friedrich St. Florian. The stamp image highlights one of two 43-foot memorial arches and shows a section of the curving row of 56 pillars, each representing a state or territory from the World War II era.

To see the National World War II Memorial stamp and other images from the 2004 Commemorative Stamp Program, visit the Postal Store at www.usps.com/shop and click on Release Schedule in the Collector's Corner.

Current U.S. stamps, as well as a free comprehensive catalog, are available by toll-free phone order at 1-800-STAMP-24. A wide selection of stamps and other philatelic items is also available at the Postal Store at www.usps.com/shop. Beautifully framed prints of original stamp art for delivery straight to the or office are available at www.postalartgallery.com.

Since 1775, the U.S. Postal Service has connected friends, families, neighbors and businesses by mail. An independent federal agency, the Postal Service makes deliveries to about 141 million addresses every day and is the only service provider to deliver to every address in the nation. The Postal Service receives no taxpayer dollars for routine operations, but derives its operating revenues solely from the sale of postage, products and services. With annual revenues of more than $68 billion, it is the world's leading provider of mail and delivery services, offering some of the most affordable postage rates in the world. Moreover, today's postage rates will remain stable until at least 2006. The U.S. Postal Service delivers more than 43 percent of the world's mail volume - some 202 billion letters, advertisements, periodicals and packages a year - and serves 7 million customers each day at its 38,000 retail locations nationwide.

# # #

Include the following Stamp Selection Criteria and Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee fact sheets with your "day-of" news release press kit. If available, also include biographies of event principals.

Stamp Subject Selection Criteria

The U.S. Postal Service® and the members of the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC) have set certain basic criteria used in determining the eligibility of subjects for commemoration on U.S. stamps and stationery. These criteria first were formulated about the time of Postal Service reorganization in the early 1970s and have been refined and expanded gradually since then.

Following are the 12 major areas now guiding subject selection:

1. It is a general policy that U.S. postage stamps and stationery primarily will feature American or American-related subjects.

2. No living person shall be honored by portrayal on U.S. Postage

3. Commemorative stamps or Postal ServiceTM stationery items honoring individuals usually will be issued on or in conjunction with significant anniversaries of their birth, but no Postal Service item will be issued sooner than 10 years after the individual's death. The only exception to the 10-year rule is the issuance of stamps honoring deceased U.S. presidents. They may be honored with a memorial stamp on the first birth anniversary following death.

4. Events of historical significance will be considered for commemoration only on anniversaries in multiples of 50 years.

5. Only events, persons, and themes of widespread national appeal and significance will be considered for commemoration. Events, persons, or themes of local or regional significance may be recognized by a philatelic or special Postal Service cancellation, which may be arranged through the local postmaster.

6. Stamps or stationery items will not be issued to honor fraternal, political, sectarian, or service/charitable organizations. Stamps or stationery shall not be issued to promote or advertise commercial enterprises or products. Commercial products or enterprises might be used to illustrate more general concepts related to American culture.

7. Stamps or stationery items will not be issued to honor cities, towns, municipalities, counties, primary or secondary schools, hospitals, libraries, or similar institutions. Due to the limitations placed on annual Postal Service programs and the vast number of such locales, organizations, and institutions in existence, it would be difficult to single out any one for commemoration.

8. Requests for observance of statehood anniversaries will be considered for commemorative postage stamps only at intervals of 50 years from the date of the state's first entry into the Union. Requests for observance of other state-related or regional anniversaries will be considered only as subjects for Postal Service stationery, and again only at intervals of 50 years from the date of the event.

9. Stamps or stationery items will not be issued to honor religious institutions or individuals whose principal achievements are associated with religious undertakings or beliefs.

10. Stamps or Postal Service stationery items with added values, referred to as "semi-postals," will be issued every 2 years in accordance with Public Law 106253. Semi-postals will not be considered as part of the commemorative program, and separate criteria will apply.

11. Requests for commemoration of universities and other institutions of higher education will be considered only for stamped cards and only in connection with the 200th anniversaries of their founding.

12. No stamp will be considered for issuance if one treating the same subject has been issued in the past 50 years. The only exceptions to this rule are traditional themes such as national symbols and holidays.

Ideas for stamp subjects that meet the criteria may be addressed to:

CITIZENS STAMP ADVISORY COMMITTEE
C/O STAMP DEVELOPMENT
US POSTAL SERVICE
475 L'ENFANT PLZ SW RM 5670
WASHINGTON DC 20260-2437

Subjects should be submitted at least 3 years in advance of the proposed date of issue to allow sufficient time for consideration and for design and production, if the subject is approved.

The selection of subjects for U.S. Postage stamps and stationery is a difficult task since only a limited number of new commemorative items can be issued annually. To help in this selection process, the postmaster general established CSAC over 40 years ago. Members are appointed to the committee by the postmaster general. They reflect a wide range of educational, artistic, historical, and professional expertise.

Once a subject is approved, the Postal Service relies heavily on design coordinators for the selection of artists who will execute the designs. Stamp designing is an unusual art form requiring exacting skill in portraying a subject within very small dimensions. Due to the demands of stamp design and reproduction requirements, it is our policy not to review or accept unsolicited artwork.

The Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee

The U.S. Postal Service® is proud of its role in portraying the American experience to a world audience through the issuance of postage stamps and stationery.

The public suggests almost all subjects chosen to appear on U.S. Postage stamps and stationery. Each year, Americans submit proposals to the Postal ServiceTM on literally thousands of different topics, and every stamp suggestion receives equal consideration, regardless of who makes it or how it is presented. (Note: Suggestions must be submitted in writing).

On behalf of the postmaster general, the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee ("CSAC" or "the committee") evaluates the merits of all stamp proposals. Established in 1957, the committee provides the Postal Service with a "breadth of judgment and depth of experience in various areas that influence subject matter, character and beauty of postage stamps."

The committee's primary goal is to select subjects for recommendation to the postmaster general that are both interesting and educational. In addition to the Postal Service's extensive line of regular stamps, the committee recommends approximately 25 new subjects for commemorative stamps each year. The wishes and desires of all Postal Service customers influence stamp selections. A good mix of subjects, both interesting and educational, is essential to the stamps program of the U.S. Postal Service.

The postmaster general of the U.S. Postal Service appoints committee members, who serve at his discretion. The committee is composed of 15 members whose backgrounds reflect a wide range of educational, artistic, historical, and professional expertise. All share an interest in philately and the needs of the mailing public.

The committee itself employs no staff. The Postal Service's Stamp Development group handles committee administrative matters, maintains records, and responds to as many as 50,000 stamp subject and design recommendations annually.

The committee meets four times yearly in rotating locations. At the meetings, the members review all proposals received since the previous meeting. Proponents are not permitted to attend committee meetings. The members also review and provide guidance on artwork and designs for stamp subjects scheduled for issuance. The criteria established by this independent group ensure that stamp subjects stand the test of time, are consistent with public opinion, and have broad national interest.

The Stamp Selection Process

Stamp subject and design suggestions must meet selection criteria and submitted in writing to:

CITIZENS STAMP ADVISORY COMMITTEE
C/O STAMP DEVELOPMENT
US POSTAL SERVICE
475 L'ENFANT PLZ SW RM 5670
WASHINGTON DC 20260-2437

Submit subject or design suggestions at least 3 years in advance of the proposed date of issue to allow sufficient time for consideration, design, and production, if the subject is approved.

Stamp proposals must be submitted in writing to the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee (i.e., stamped card, letters, or petitions) to allow everyone the same opportunity to suggest a new stamp subject or design.

After a proposal's evaluation is complete and deemed to meet selection criteria, research is done on the proposed stamp subject. The committee's agenda for its next meeting will list all new proposals received since their last meeting. The committee considers all new proposals, and will either reject the new proposal or set it aside for future consideration. If set aside for future consideration, the subject is filed and presented for periodic review by the committee.

If approved for issuance, proponents of the subject or design are advised when a general announcement is made to the public. While the Postal Service relies heavily upon the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee, it has the exclusive and final authority to determine both subject matter and designs for U.S. Postage stamps and stationery.

Artwork for Stamp Designs

Once a stamp suggestion or design receives approval, the Postal Service relies heavily on design coordinators for the selection of artists who will execute the designs. Stamp designing is an unusual art form that requires exacting skill to portray a subject within very small dimensions.

Unsolicited artwork is not accepted due to the demands of stamp design and reproduction requirements.

Professional artists who wish consideration for a design assignment must request a copy of the "Stamp Design Requirements" package:

STAMP DESIGN
C/O STAMP DEVELOPMENT
US POSTAL SERVICE
475 L'ENFANT PLZ SW RM 5670
WASHINGTON DC 20260-2437

Postal Service Facts

Universal Access. Universal Service.

The same high level of service for every American regardless of geographic location. The Postal ServiceTM delivers everywhere, every day, to everyone.

• Has annual operating revenue of $68.5 billion.

• Has more than 700,000 career employees serving 141 million addresses.

• Delivers 202 billion pieces of mail a year, or five pieces per address per day, to over 141 million s, businesses, and Post OfficeTM boxes. Each of our 300,000 carriers delivers about 2,300 pieces of mail a day to about 500 addresses.

• Adds 1.9 million new addresses each year.

• Redirects 3 billion First-Class Mail® pieces to new addresses for the 17% of the nation's population that moves every year, generating over 44 million address changes.

• Delivers more than 46% of the world's mail volume to more people over a larger geographic area than any other country.

• Serves 7 million customers daily at 37,579 Postal Service retail outlets.

• Makes stamps available on the Internet, by mail, by phone, through 32,000 vending machines, and 40,000 commercial retail outlets and automatic teller machines (ATMs).

Mail Is an Important Part of the Economy

Three of the Postal Service's six product lines would qualify as Fortune 500 companies:

Correspondence and transactions $37 billion business
Business advertising $17.2 billion business
Expedited delivery $5.4 billion business
Publications delivery $2.2 billion business
Standard package delivery $2.2 billion business
International mail $1.5 billion business

The Postal Service is at the center of the $900 billion mailing industry - which employs 9 million people. Last year, business-to-consumer sals from direct mail generated more than $423 billion.

We Deliver to Every Residence and Business Address in the Nation

Our national delivery network serves to every American household and business.

• Performance for on-time local delivery of First- Class Mail for 2003 was 95%. Also, 94% of households surveyed in 2003 had a positive perception of the Postal Service, with more than two out of three rating their satisfaction as "very good" or "excellent."

• Operates a transport and delivery fleet of 213,585 vehicles driving approximately 1.15 billion miles a year.

• Leases 25,987 facilities at a rental cost of $869.7 million.

• Operates 30,000 alternative-fuel vehicles (AFVs), the nation's largest fleet of AFVs, using ethanol, compressed natural gas, and electricity.

• Purchases $200 million worth of products with recycled content, including pallets and trays, stamp products, and envelopes.

• Uses latest technology to improve service, increase productivity, and reduce costs.

• Leader in developing and using optical character recognition - sorting equipment reads more than 80% of the handwritten addresses on envelopes.

• Upgraded flat-sorting equipment that rapidly deciphers hard-to-read addresses saved $292.5 million.

Government Relations Contacts

Your Government Relations representatives are here to serve you. They can assist you in contacting and inviting elected officials to participate in your National World War II Memorial stamp event - please let them know how they can help.

Alphabetical State/Representative Listing

Area code and prefix for all extensions is 202-268-XXXX.

Area Public Affairs and Communications Managers/Contacts

PAUL F SMITH
EASTERN AREA US POSTAL SERVICE
PO BOX 40593
PHILADELPHIA PA 19197-0593

215-931-5054

DEBORAH YACKLEY
CAPITOL METRO US POSTAL SERVICE
16501 SHADY GROVE
GAITHERSBURG MD 20898-9998

301-548-1465

DIANE TODD
NY METRO AREA US POSTAL SERVICE
421 EIGHTH AVE RM 5114
NEW YORK NY 10199-9681

212-330-3167

DEBRA HAWKINS
NORTHEAST AREA US POSTAL SERVICE
6 GRIFFIN RD N
WINDSOR CT 06006-9876

860-285-7265

EARL C ARTIS JR
SOUTHEAST AREA US POSTAL SERVICE
225 NORTH HUMPHREYS BLVD
MEMPHIS TN 38166-0832

404-915-5877

SCOTT BUDNY
WESTERN AREA US POSTAL SERVICE
1745 STOUT ST STE 1075
DENVER CO 80299-7500

303-313-5125

JIM MRUK
GREAT LAKES AREA US POSTAL SERVICE
244 KNOLLWOOD DR 4TH FL
BLOOMINGDALE IL 60117-2208

630-539-6565

DON SMERALDI
PACIFIC AREA US POSTAL SERVICE
7001 S CENTRAL AVE RM 364A
LOS ANGELES CA 90052-9641

323-586-1210

CESTA AYERS JR (ACTING)
SOUTHWEST AREA US POSTAL SERVICE
7800 N STEMMONS FRWY STE 450
DALLAS TX 75247-4220

214-819-8717

- Community Relations,
Public Affairs and Communications, 4-29-04