PUBLICITY KIT Ronald Reagan Stamp First-Day-of-Issuance CeremonyPostal Service employees can find an electronic version of the Ronald Reagan commemorative postage stamp publicity kit on the intranet at http://blue.usps.gov; in the left-hand column, click on Public Affairs and Communications; in the left-hand column, click on Postmaster's Toolkits. The electronic version makes it easy to complete the fill-in-the blank materials included in the kit.
Ronald Reagan Stamp First-Day-of-Issuance CeremonyThe Postal ServiceTM will conduct a nationwide First-Day-of-Issuance ceremony for the Ronald Reagan commemorative postage stamp on Wednesday, February 9, 2005. While Semi Valley, California, has been designated as the events location, the stamp will be available nationwide the same day. Postmasters interested in conducting local ceremonies should feel free to use these materials as a guide for maximizing media exposure. Please be sure to coordinate activities with your respective Public Affairs and Communications contact and Government Relations representative. You can find their contact information on pages 13 -15 of this kit. Sample items for inclusion in your press kit include: • Media Advisory to be distributed on February 3 and 7. • Sample speech. • News release. • Stamp subject selection criteria. • Philatelic and licensed products information. • Contacts for obtaining Ronald Reagan stamp enlargements. • Public Affairs and Communications Field contacts. • Government Relations contacts. Products and Licensing
Pictorial PostmarksAs a pictorial postmark has not been produced from a national level, Post OfficesTM planning events should feel free to design their own special pictorial postmarks. Guidelines for Finalizing Ronald Reagan Commemorative Stamp Pictorial Postmark ArtPost Offices planning second-day events may design their own special pictorial postmarks. Overall dimensions of these postmarks must not exceed 4 inches horizontally by 2 inches vertically. Collectors prefer the dimensions 3 1/2 inches by 1 inch. For more information regarding pictorial postmarks, refer to Handbook PO-230, Pictorial Cancellations. As a reminder, the Postal Service 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 postmarks must be reported to Stamp Services 3 weeks prior to local events. Please use the announcement form on the following page to report your use of a postmark. |
| Complete this announcement and
forward it to the following address: Pictorial Postmark Program Manager Stamp Services US Postal Service 1735 North Lynn St Ste 5016 Arlington VA 22209-6432 |
Insert pictorial postmark Copy here (Camera-ready or reproducible) No larger than 4" horizontal x 2" vertical |
| Postal Service Contact (name, address, telephone) |
| Station Date(s) |
| Sponsor |
| Station Name |
| Complete Street Address or PO Box Number |
| City/State/ZIP+4 code |
Mail Postmark Requests to:
| Station Name |
| Addressee Name (usually "Postmaster") |
| Complete Street Address or PO Box 9998 |
| City/State/ZIP+4 Code |
SAMPLE MEDIA ADVISORY
[NAME] JOINS [NAME OF POSTAL SERVICE OFFICIAL] IN DEDICATING
RONALD REAGAN STAMP AT [LOCATION] FEB. 9
What: [NAME OF DIGNITARY] joins [NAME OF COMMUNITY POSTMASTER OR OTHER POSTAL SERVICE OFFICIAL] in dedicating the Ronald Reagan commemorative postage stamp.
When: Wednesday, Feb. 9 at [TIME, INCLUDING EASTERN, CENTRAL, PACIFIC, ETC.]
Where: [NAME OF BUILDING]
[STREET ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE AND FIVE-DIGIT ZIP CODE]
Who: [NAME OF DIGNITARY]
[NAME OF POSTMASTER OR OTHER POSTAL SERVICE OFFICIAL]
[OTHER DIGNITARIES]
Media Note: Provide the following information:
• Media access (sign-in table, etc.)
• A description of the event layout (distance from the podium to media, etc.)
• Location/description of media sign-in table
Members of the media planning to attend must RSVP [NAME] by 3 p.m. [TIME ZONE] Feb. 9.
Contacts: USPS: [POSTMASTER/PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS CONTACT, OFFICE TELEPHONE, CELL NUMER, AND E-MAIL ADDRESS]
# # #
Thank you for joining us for today's event. [OPTIONAL: ADD A BRIEF COMMENT ABOUT HOW THIS LOCATION RELATES TO RONALD REAGAN]
I also want to thank all of our special guests for joining us in beautiful [CITY/TOWN/LOCATION/TYPE OF SETTING].
In particular, I'm glad that our good friend, [NAME OF ELECTED OFFICIAL], is here, along with [ANY OTHER INDIVIDUALS THAT SHOULD BE RECOGNIZED].
[OPTIONAL: PROVIDE A SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THIS INDIVIDUAL'S RELATIONSHIP TO REAGAN.]
Thank you, [NAME], for joining us.
Ladies and gentlemen, I am honored to be here representing the United States Postal Service® at today's dedication of the Ronald Reagan stamp.
I think it's a great pairing. The United States Postal Service, which was created for one simple purpose - to help every American communicate - is honoring the man who was known by his fellow Americans as the Great Communicator.
I can't help but think that President Reagan - looking down from his Rancho del Cielo (pronounced see-AY- low) - is smiling about that.
If I were a betting man, I'd say it's the same unforgettable smile that brings so much life and so much heart to the stamp we are unveiling here today.
And I believe that smile - the famous Reagan smile - was the secret of his success as a communicator. It radiated confidence. It signaled that he believed in himself and in us - his fellow countrymen. Through that confidence and shared belief, we knew that we could achieve great things.
And we did.
Together, as a nation, we recaptured our confidence and emerged into a new morning.
And on that morning in America, we stood astride history and we changed its course.
Of course, that took more than just a smile. It took an unwavering conviction in the justness of our cause. It took an unparalleled belief that change was inevitable. Above all, it took an unshakeable faith in the goodness of our people.
That was Ronald Reagan.
[PAUSE]
It is only fitting that, with the stamp we dedicate today, we add to the honors earned by this exceptional man.
After all, Ronald Reagan understood a great deal about the power of stamps to share his ideas, his hopes, and his dreams with thousands of Americans.
As a communicator, he understood the value of the written word - the handwritten word. Perhaps that's why he wrote - and mailed - more than 10,000 letters during his incredible lifetime.
His correspondents were the young and the old. They were the sung and they were the unsung. They were those who life had gifted and those who worked so hard to share in our nation's bounty.
And we were fortunate enough to learn about some of them. In doing that, we learned so much about the man we celebrate today.
We learned about his quiet sense of humor from the seventh grader who wrote to the President asking for federal relief funds.
Why?
[PAUSE]
Because the boy's mother had declared his room a federal disaster area.
[PAUSE FOR LAUGHTER]
The President tactfully wrote back, suggesting that the young man start a private volunteer program to address the problem.
[PAUSE FOR LAUGHTER]
The President also wrote to thousands of other Americans - people he'd never even met. But he believed they deserved to hear, first hand, from their President.
To some, if they seemed down on their luck, he might send a little money. One time, the person didn't cash the check, because it was from the President.
[PAUSE]
When he found out, he immediately sent along another check.
Then, of course, there was Rudy, a 6-year-old the President met when he visited a Washington, D.C. school. They corresponded for years.
"I know you work very hard. I do, too. But we have a lot of fun writing to each other," Rudy wrote in 1984.
And the President was never too busy to share some wonderful advice with his young pen pal. "If you get in the habit of reading," he wrote, "you'll never be lonely."
No matter how difficult the issues he faced - whether as President of the United States or simply as one man - Ronald Reagan never lost sight of the power of the written word.
Not surprisingly, he chose a letter - a handwritten letter - to tell us that he was stepping out of the spotlight, that he was leaving the public stage.
Only a letter could touch us so immediately, so warmly, and so deeply. And it was a mark of his special relationship with each one of us that President Reagan chose such a personal way to tell us.
I know, as does everyone here today, that we will never say "goodbye" to Ronald Reagan.
His belief in each of us, his faith in this great nation, and his unbridled vision of that shining city upon the hill are too strong to ever fade away.
So, it is our hope, that with this stamp - in this small way - we can remember and honor a great American, President Ronald Wilson Reagan.
[PAUSE]
Now, I'd like to ask our platform guests to join me in front of the drape.
Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the United States Postal Service and the American people, it is my pleasure to officially dedicate the Ronald Reagan commemorative stamp.
[Unveil stamp and pose for photos]
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT DATE] [INSERT YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Internet: www.usps.com
SAMPLE NEWS RELEASE
[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.]
[NAME] POST OFFICE HOSTS RONALD REAGAN STAMP DEDICATION
[CITY, STATE] - During a special ceremony today, [NAME OF LOCAL ELECTED OFFICAL] joined [POSTAL SERVICE OFFICIAL NAME AND TITLE] to dedicate the Ronald Reagan commemorative postage stamp.
The event - honoring the nation's 40th President - took place today at the [NAME OF TOWN POST OFFICE OR OTHER LOCATION] as part of a nationwide first-day-of-issuance ceremony.
"The United States Postal Service® is honoring the man who was known by his fellow Americans as the Great Communicator," said [POSTAL SERVICE OFFICIAL'S NAME] in delivering [HIS/HER] remarks.
"As a communicator, Ronald Reagan understood the value of the written word - the handwritten word. Perhaps that's why he wrote and mailed more than 10,000 letters during his incredible lifetime.
"The famous Reagan smile reflected in the stamp's image radiated confidence," [POSTAL SERVICE OFFICAL'S LAST NAME] said. "It signaled that he believed in himself and in us, his fellow countrymen. Through that confidence and shared belief, we knew that we could achieve great things."
[INSERT QUOTE FROM ELECTED OFFCIAL HERE].
It is the tradition of the Postal ServiceTM to honor prominent Americans with a stamp no sooner than 10 years after their death. The single exception to this policy is for a United States president, who may be honored with a postage stamp on the first birth anniversary following death. Reagan, who served as our 40th President, from 1981 until 1989, was born on February 6, 1911.
Current U.S. stamps, as well as a free comprehensive catalog, may be ordered online at the Postal Store, www.usps.com/shop; through the USA Philatelic catalog by toll-free telephone order by calling 800-STAMP-24; or via fax at 816-545-1212. In addition, custom-framed prints of original stamp art 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 more than 142 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 $69 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 46 percent of the world's mail volume - some 206 billion letters, advertisements, periodicals and packages a year - and serves seven million customers each day at its 37,000 retail locations nationwide.
# # #
Include the following Stamp Subject 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.
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 were first formulated about the time of Postal 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 may be honored by portrayal on U.S. postage.
3. Commemorative stamps or postal stationery items honoring individuals usually will be issued on, or in conjunction with, significant anniversaries of their birth, but no postal 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 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 will 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 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 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. Semipostal stamps are designed to raise funds for causes determined to be in the national public interest and appropriate. Semipostal stamps are sold for a price above their postage value. The differential between the sales price and the postage value of semipostal stamps consists of an amount (less a deduction for the Postal Service's reasonable costs) to be given to other executive agencies to support specified causes. The Postal Service issues semipostals in accordance with the Stamp Out Breast Cancer Act and the Semipostal Authorization Act.
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
co Stamp Development
US Postal Service
1735 North Lynn St Ste 5013
Arlington VA 22209-6432
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 the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee (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 nor accept unsolicited artwork.
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) 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 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.
Stamp subject and design suggestions must meet selection criteria and submitted in writing to:
Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee
co Stamp Development
US Postal Service
1735 North Lynn St Ste 5013
Arlington VA 22209-6432
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 CSAC (i.e., stamped cards, 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.
To purchase artwork of the Ronald Reagan commemorative stamp, including poster-sized enlargements, color transparencies, and color prints, contact:
Victor Pulupa
Dodge Color
4827 Rugby Ave Ste 100
Bethesda MD 20814-3028
E-mail: victor@dodgecolor.com
Telephone: 301-656-0025 x 212
Fax: 301-656-0435
Please plan ahead and allow enough time for production and shipping.
Your Government Relations representatives can assist you in contacting and inviting elected officials to participate in your event.
Alphabetical State/Representative Listing
Area code and prefix for all extensions is 202-268-XXXX
| Alabama | Laurie Solnik | x 3743 |
| Alaska | Linda Macasa | x 3750 |
| American Samoa | Linda Macasa | x 3750 |
| Arizona | Gerald Kreienkamp | x 3744 |
| Arkansas | Gerald Kreienkamp | x 3744 |
| California | Bill Weagley | x 3745 |
| Connecticut | Jo Waterman | x 6748 |
| Colorado | Gerald Kreienkamp | x 3744 |
| Delaware | Jo Waterman | x 6748 |
| District of Columbia | Rebecca Sumner | x 3755 |
| Florida | Laurie Solnik | x 3743 |
| Georgia | Bill Weagley | x 3745 |
| Guam | Linda Macasa | x 3750 |
| Hawaii | Linda Macasa | x 3750 |
| Idaho | Linda Macasa | x 3750 |
| Illinois | Talaya Simpson | x 7839 |
| Indiana | Annie Kennedy | x 7505 |
| Iowa | Annie Kennedy | x 7505 |
| Kansas | Gerald Kreienkamp | x 3744 |
| Kentucky | Paul Harrington | x 6029 |
| Louisiana | Gerald Kreienkamp | x 3744 |
| Maine | Kathy Sitterle | x 6027 |
| Maryland | Rebecca Sumner | x 3755 |
| Massachusetts | Jo Waterman | x 6748 |
| Michigan | Talaya Simpson | x 7839 |
| Minnesota | Annie Kennedy | x 7505 |
| Mississippi | Laurie Solnik | x 3743 |
| Missouri | Annie Kennedy | x 7505 |
| Montana | Linda Solnik | x 3743 |
| Nebraska | Gerald Kreienkamp | x 3744 |
| Nevada | Linda Macasa | x 3750 |
| New Hampshire | Jo Waterman | x 6748 |
| New Jersey | Jo Waterman | x 6748 |
| New Mexico | Gerald Kreienkamp | x 3744 |
| New York | Kathy Sitterle | x 6027 |
| North Carolina | Bill Weagley | x 3745 |
| North Dakota | Annie Kennedy | x 7505 |
| Ohio | Paul Harrington | x 6029 |
| Oklahoma | Gerald Kreienkamp | x 3744 |
| Oregon | Linda Macasa | x 3750 |
| Pennsylvania | Rebecca Sumner | x 3755 |
| Puerto Rico | Kathy Sitterle | x 6027 |
| Rhode Island | Jo Waterman | x 6748 |
| South Carolina | Linda Macasa | x 3750 |
| South Dakota | Annie Kennedy | x 7505 |
| Tennessee | Linda Macasa | x 3750 |
| Texas | Gerald Kreienkamp | x 3744 |
| Utah | Gerald Kreienkamp | x 3744 |
| Vermont | Kathy Sitterle | x 6027 |
| Virgin Islands | Kathy Sitterle | x 6027 |
| Virginia | Paul Harrington | x 6029 |
| Washington | Linda Macasa | x 3750 |
| West Virginia | Paul Harrington | x 6029 |
| Wisconsin | Talaya Simpson | x 7839 |
| Wyoming | Gerald Kreienkamp | x 3744 |
For publicity assistance, contact the Public Affairs and Communications manager serving your area.
| Earl Artis Jr Manager Public Affairs and Communications Southeast Area US Postal Service 225 North Humphrey Blvd 5th Fl Memphis TN 38166-0832 Telephone: 678-442-6018 |
Jim Mruk Manager Public Affairs and Communications Great Lakes Area/US Postal Service 244 Knollwood Dr 4th Fl Bloomingdale IL 60117-2208 Telephone: 630-539-6565 |
| Scott Budny Manager Public Affairs and Communications Western Area US Postal Service 1745 Stout St Ste 1075 Denver CO 80299-7500 Telephone: 303-313-5130 |
Paul Smith Manager Public Affairs and Communications Eastern Area US Postal Service PO Box 40593 Philadelphia PA 19197-0593 Telephone: 215-931-5054 |
| Monica Hand Manager Public Affairs and Communications NY Metro Area US Postal Service 421 Eighth Ave Rm 5114 New York NY 10199-9681 Telephone: 212-330-3167 |
Darla Stafford Manager Public Affairs and Communications Southwest Area US Postal Service 7800 N Stemmons Freeway Ste 450 Dallas TX 75247-4220 Telephone: 214-819-8717 |
| Debra Hawkins Manager Public Affairs and Communications Northeast Area US Postal Service 6 Griffin Rd N Windsor CT 06006-9876 Telephone: 860-285-7265 |
Deborah Yackley Manager Public Affairs and Communications Capital Metro Operations 16501 Shady Grove Gaithersburg MD 20898-9998 Telephone: 301-548-1465 |
- Community Relations, Public Affairs and Communications, 1-6-05
