Stamp Overview
In 2009, the U.S. Postal Service® continues its Flags of Our Nation stamp series with 10 more stamp designs. The stamps, arranged alphabetically in strips of 10 and sold in coils of 50 (five strips of 10 designs in each coil), feature the states of Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, and the USA (Waves of Grain) flag. The first-day-of-issue dedication ceremony takes place August 6 at the American Philatelic Society Stamp Show in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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.
This Publicity Kit has been developed to support your efforts to promote these stamps. The kit provides information about the stamps, postmarks, event planning, and publicity.
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 (five strips of 10 designs in each coil). Individual stamps will be twice the width of standard definitives.
Artist Tom Engeman, a resident of Bethany Beach, Delaware, created the 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).
Engeman also created the background artwork that appears on the stamps. In most cases, an everyday scene or activity is shown, but occasionally the view is of something less commonplace such as rare wildlife or a stunning vista. Unlike 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.
Order of Issuance
2008 — Set 1
n Alabama
n Alaska
n American Samoa
n Arizona
n Arkansas
n California
n Colorado
n Connecticut
n Delaware
n USA (Spacious Skies)
2008 — Set 2
n District of Columbia
n Florida
n Georgia
n Guam
n Hawaii
n Idaho
n Illinois
n Indiana
n Iowa
n Kansas
2009 — Set 3 Images
2009 — Set 3
n Kentucky
n Louisiana
n Maine
n Maryland
n Massachusetts
n Michigan
n Minnesota
n Mississippi
n Missouri
n USA (Waves of Grain)
2010 — Set 4
n USA (Purple Mountains)
n Montana
n Nebraska
n Nevada
n New Hampshire
n New Jersey
n New Mexico
n New York
n North Carolina
n North Dakota
2011 — Set 5
n Northern Marianas
n Ohio
n Oklahoma
n Oregon
n Pennsylvania
n Puerto Rico
n Rhode Island
n South Carolina
n South Dakota
n Tennessee
2012 — Set 6
n Texas
n Utah
n Vermont
n Virgin Islands
n Virginia
n Washington
n West Virginia
n Wisconsin
n Wyoming
n USA (Fruited Plain)
Stamp Art References — Set 3
Kentucky
This is a navy blue flag with the state seal in the middle; the seal shows two friends with the words “United We Stand” above them and “Divided We Fall” below them. Snapshot art features horses and the state’s Bluegrass region.
Louisiana
The state coat of arms at the center of the flag depicts the state bird, a pelican, feeding its young. Snapshot art shows brown pelicans in flight.
Maine
The coat of arms on the Maine flag includes a “husbandman, resting on a scythe” and a “seaman, resting on an anchor” on either side of a shield featuring a moose and a pine tree. Snapshot art also includes a moose.
Maryland
The colors and patterns on this state flag are from the coats of arms of two of Maryland’s founding families: the Calverts (yellow and black) and the Crosslands (red and white). Snapshot art shows a red-winged blackbird in a cattail marsh.
Massachusetts
The flag holds the state coat of arms, which features a Native American man holding a bow in his right hand and an arrow in his left hand; the arrow points downward as a symbol of peace. Snapshot art shows seabirds in flight, with sailboats in the background.
Michigan
At the center of the flag is the state coat of arms; the word “TUEBOR” can be translated as “I will defend.” Snapshot art shows vessels commonly seen on the Great Lakes.
Minnesota
The flag design incorporates the state seal, state flower, state name, and important dates in state history. Snapshot art features a grain elevator on a riverbank with swans in the foreground.
Mississippi
In the flag’s red union is “a broad blue diagonal cross” emblazoned with 13 stars and bordered with white; the field has three bars of blue, white, and red. Snapshot art shows black bears in a wooded area.
Missouri
The flag has three broad horizontal stripes of red, white, and blue; centered on the white stripe is the state coat of arms, surrounded by a blue band containing 24 stars. Snapshot art features a paddle wheeler on a river.
Stars and Stripes
The 13 horizontal stripes represent the 13 original colonies; the 50 stars represent the 50 states. Snapshot art depicts the “amber waves of grain” of “America the Beautiful,” by Katharine Lee Bates.
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 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where all 10 stamps in the coil will be dedicated on August 6, 2009. The Postal Service has also authorized a first day of sale postmark for dedication events held on August 6 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.
First Day of Issue Postmark
Customers desiring the first day of issue 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 Stamp Set 3
Grant Street Station
700 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219-1906
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 7, 2009.
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 in this section, 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 mail-back service for 30 days. The Postal Service must make all postmarking services known to collectors through advance publicity in the Postal Bulletin. Therefore, all first day of sale and special dedication pictorial postmarks must be reported to Stamp Services 2 weeks before the events using PS Form 413, Pictorial Postmark Announcement/Report.
To get a copy of the form, go to 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 7.
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 third set of the Flags of Our Nation stamps will be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on August 6, 2009.
First day of sale ceremonies for the individual Flags of Our Nation stamps will also be held on September 2. Special dedication events will be held after September 2, and pictorial postmarks may be created using the first day of sale artwork, provided the word “Station” is depicted in the postmark.
First Day of Sale and Special Dedication Event Planning Checklist
When planning Flags of Our Nation first-day-of-sale and special dedication events, keep the following suggestions in mind:
a. Begin planning immediately. Start by ordering sufficient stamps and products from the Stamp Distribution Office.
b. Coordinate with your Government Relations representative as you reach out to the state governors, or other state officials, to determine the location of your event, and to invite participation by the local Travel Industry Association (TIA) representative (www.tia.org). You should secure Postal Service participants and other non–Postal Service participants including the head of the local Chamber of Commerce and local politicians.
c. Launch a local publicity campaign using the materials in this kit.
d. Draft a time line and remarks for speakers.
e. Furnish a final briefing sheet to all ceremony participants.
f. Plan retail opportunities encouraging sales of the stamps.
g. Prepare local invitations to the event.
h. Send news clippings to your area Corporate Communications local contacts.
Suggested Planning Timeline for First Day of Sale and Special Dedication Events
Note: If you have any questions or need assistance with any of these items, please 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, what his or her role will be, etc.). 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 bind 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 they 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 local historic houses, renovated factories, riverboats, lighthouses, etc., 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 — children of postal employees, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, 4H Clubs, etc. — to write and illustrate letters about “What My State Flag Means to Me” to be displayed on the Post Office bulletin board and 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
Corporate Communications Contacts
First-Day-of-Issue, Pittsburgh, PA — Full Coil
Mark Saunders (national contact)
mark.r.saunders@usps.gov
202-268-6524
Tad Kelley (Pittsburgh area contact)
Tad.kelley@usps.gov
412-359-7119
Kentucky
David L. Walton
David.L.Walton2@usps.gov
502-454-1695
Louisiana
McKinney Boyd
mckinney.boyd@usps.gov
214-819-8740
Maine
Tom Rizzo
thomas.p.rizzo@usps.gov
207-482-7111
Maryland
Yvette B. Singh
yvette.b.singh@usps.gov
410-833-1026
Freda Sauter
freda.g.sauter@usps.gov
410-431-5401
Massachusetts
SE MA area
Christine Dugas
christine.dugas@usps.gov
401-276-3915
Boston Metro area
Ann Powers
ann.m.powers@usps.gov
617-654-5544
Central and Western MA areas
Robert Boisselle
robert.f.boisselle@usps.gov
978-664-7722
Michigan
Greater MI (Lansing/W/NW)
Sabrina Todd
Sabrina.a.todd@usps.gov
616-776-6149, 517-337-8722
Detroit Metro/SW/Northern MI area
Ed Moore
edward.r.moore@usps.gov
313-225-5452
Flint and Port Huron
Shannon Labruyere
shannon.labruyere@usps.gov
248-594-4114
Upper Peninsula
Jo Anne Blackburn
joanne.blackburn@usps.gov
414-287-1940
Minnesota
Peter Nowacki
peter.j.nowacki@usps.gov
612-349-4428
Mississippi
Beth Barnett
beth.b.barnett@usps.gov
615-885-9394
Missouri
Valerie Hughes
valerie.l.hughes@usps.gov
314-436-4197
Government Relations Contacts
First-Day-of-Issue — Full Coil
Laurie Solnik
Laurie.solnik@usps.gov
202-268-3743
Kentucky
Laurie Solnik
laurie.solnik@usps.gov
202-268-3743
Louisiana
Polly Gibbs
polly.j.gibbs@usps.gov
202-268-4387
Maine
Katherine Sitterle
katherine.a.sitterle@usps.gov
202-268-6027
Maryland
Jim Cari
james.k.cari@usps.gov
202-268-6029
Massachusetts
Jo Waterman
jo.a.waterman@usps.gov
202-268-6748
Katherine Sitterle
katherine.a.sitterle@usps.gov
202-268-6027
Michigan
Talaya Simpson
talaya.s.simpson@usps.gov
202-268-7839
Minnesota
Talaya Simpson
talaya.s.simpson@usps.gov
202-268-7839
Sheryl Bonifer
Sheryl.l.boinfer@usps.gov
202-268-7505
Mississippi
Laurie Solnik
Laurie.solnik@usps.gov
202-268-3743
Missouri
Talaya Simpson
talaya.s.simpson@usps.gov
202-268-7839
Sheryl Bonifer
Sheryl.l.boinfer@usps.gov
202-268-7505
Local News Releases and Media Advisory
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [Name]
[Insert Date] (O) [xxx-xxx-xxxx]
(C) [xxx-xxx-xxxx]
[xxxxx]@usps.gov]
usps.com/news
Release No. [xx-xxx]
News Release
[Insert City] Post Office Invites Community to Celebrate Release
of Flags of Our Nation [Insert State Name] Stamp
Public Service Announcement for Radio
[Insert City] — It’s time to celebrate the majesty and beauty of the flag of our great state of [Insert State]. The Postal Service™ is issuing Set 3 of the striking stamp series, Flags of Our Nation, with postage honoring the Stars and Stripes, as well as the flags of the 50 states, five territories and the District of Columbia.
The [Insert City] Post Office™ invites you to a community celebration on [Insert Date] at [Insert Street Address]. The free event starts at [Insert Time]. [Add event details here.]
[Please feel free to add local history of your state flag here.]
# # #
Note: For broadcast quality video and audio, photo stills and other media resources, visit the USPS® Newsroom at www.usps.com/news.
An independent federal agency, the U.S. Postal Service® is the only delivery service that reaches every address in the nation, 149 million residences, businesses and Post Office Boxes, six days a week. It has 34,000 retail locations and relies on the sale of postage, products and services, not tax dollars, to pay for operating expenses. Named the Most Trusted Government Agency five consecutive years by the Ponemon Institute, the Postal Service has annual revenue of $75 billion and delivers nearly half the world’s mail. To learn about the history of the Postal Service, visit the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum at www.postalmuseum.si.edu.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [Name]
[Insert Date] (O) [xxx-xxx-xxxx]
(C) [xxx-xxx-xxxx]
[xxxxx]@usps.gov]
usps.com/news
Release No. [xx-xxx]
News Release
[Insert City Name] Helps Postal Service Dedicate Flags of Our
Nation [Insert State Name] Postage Stamp
[Insert City] — Residents of [Insert City] today joined the U.S. Postal Service® in a community celebration honoring the First Day of Issue of the Flags of Our Nation [Insert State] postage stamp. The stamp is one of 10 designs in Set 3 that is available as a coil of 44-cent, self-adhesive stamps highlighting flags and scenes from each state or territory.
The Flags of Our Nation [Insert State] stamp event was held at the [Insert City] Post Office™ and was one of many ceremonies held across the country saluting the new stamp series.
“With the release of these impressive stamps, we pay homage to the majesty of our state’s flag. This stamp series marks the first-ever issuance of all the state, territory and District of Columbia flags,” said [Insert Name and Title] of the Postal Service™.
Joining [Insert Last Name of Postal Official] at the ceremony were [Insert Names of Any Other Notables].
The Flags of Our Nation coiled multi-stamp series features the Stars and Stripes, the 50 state flags, five territorial flags and the District of Columbia flag. Twenty stamps, Set 1 (Alabama through Delaware) and 2 (District of Columbia through Kansas) were issued last year. Set 3, issued today, features 10 additional stamps — Kentucky through Missouri, plus a Stars and Stripes stamp. Ten more will be issued each year through 2012 to complete the 60-stamp series. Four of the six groups of 10 will include a Stars and Stripes stamp.
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 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 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).
Engeman also created artwork for the U.S. flag stamp designs, which were inspired by the opening lines of “America the Beautiful,” written by Katharine Lee Bates (1859–1929).
To see the Flags of Our Nation stamps, go to The Postal Store® at http://shop.usps.com, click Stamps and then Coils. To see other 2009 stamps, click on Stamps. All current stamps, philatelic products and gift items are available by calling toll free 800-STAMP-24 (800-782-6724).
[If desired, add local history of your state flag here.]
[If desired, add a quote from the local state governor or representative and a quote from the Postal Service Dedicating Official.]
# # #
Note: For broadcast quality video and audio, photo stills and other media resources, visit the USPS® Newsroom at www.usps.com/news.
An independent federal agency, the U.S. Postal Service® is the only delivery service that reaches every address in the nation, 149 million residences, businesses and Post Office Boxes, six days a week. It has 34,000 retail locations and relies on the sale of postage, products and services, not tax dollars, to pay for operating expenses. Named the Most Trusted Government Agency five consecutive years by the Ponemon Institute, the Postal Service has annual revenue of $75 billion and delivers nearly half the world’s mail. To learn about the history of the Postal Service, visit the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum at www.postalmuseum.si.edu.
[Insert Date] Contact: [Name]
(O) [xxx-xxx-xxxx]
(C) [xxx-xxx-xxxx]
[xxxxx]@usps.gov]
Contact: [Name]
(O) [xxx-xxx-xxxx]
(C) [xxx-xxx-xxxx]
[xxxxx]@usps.gov]
usps.com/news
Media Advisory
[Insert City] Post Office Invites Community to Celebrate Release
of Flags of Our Nation [Insert State] Stamp
WHAT: In honor of the issuance of the Flags of Our Nation postage stamps, the [Insert City] Post Office™ is hosting a community celebration. The event is free and open to everyone.
WHO: [Insert Names and Titles of Event Participants]
WHEN: [Insert Date and Time]
WHERE: [Insert Name of Location and Complete Address]
BACKGROUND: The Flags of Our Nation coiled multi-stamp series features the Stars and Stripes, the 50 state flags, five territorial flags and the District of Columbia flag. Twenty stamps, Set 1 (Alabama through Delaware) and 2 (District of Columbia through Kansas) were issued last year. Set 3, issued today, features 10 additional stamps — Kentucky through Missouri, plus a Stars and Stripes stamp. Ten more will be issued each year through 2012 to complete the 60-stamp series. Four of the six groups of 10 will include a Stars and Stripes stamp.
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 or a stunning vista. Unlike 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.
[Please feel free to add local history of your state flag here]
To see the Flags of Our Nation stamps, go to The Postal Store® at http://shop.usps.com, click Stamps and then Coils. To see other 2009 stamps, click Stamps.
All current stamps, philatelic products and gift items are available by calling toll free 800-STAMP-24 (800-782-6724).
# # #
Note: For broadcast quality video and audio, photo stills and other media resources, visit the USPS® Newsroom at www.usps.com/news.
An independent federal agency, the U.S. Postal Service® is the only delivery service that reaches every address in the nation, 149 million residences, businesses and Post Office Boxes, six days a week. It has 34,000 retail locations and relies on the sale of postage, products and services, not tax dollars, to pay for operating expenses. Named the Most Trusted Government Agency five consecutive years by the Ponemon Institute, the Postal Service has annual revenue of $75 billion and delivers nearly half the world’s mail. To learn about the history of the Postal Service, visit the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum at www.postalmuseum.si.edu.
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. Over the next three years, the Postal Service will continue unveiling the rest of the 60-stamp series including the Stars and Stripes, and the remaining state and territorial flags.
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 (e.g., for Alabama. In keeping with the theme, the focus is on natural beauty. Source: State tourism Web site)
As you know, Alabama lies in the heart of America’s beautiful southern landscape. From the Appalachian Mountains in the north across her broad plains down to Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, she is blessed with fertile land, scenic parks and great cities, not to mention the second largest inland waterway system in the United States.
Alabama is a great place to live. And it is filled with wonderful places to visit. Like:
n The Cathedral Caverns in Huntsville.
n The beaches at Lake Lurleen.
n The Colonial Gardens of the American Village.
n The wiregrass fields of Landmark Park in Dothan.
n The manicured grounds of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.
And so much more!
Alabama is America the Beautiful. And today, all of America is proud to celebrate that beauty.
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 binding 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.
Flags of Our Nation stamps celebrate a multi-stamp series, in coil form, featuring the Stars and Stripes, the 50 state flags, five territorial flags, and the District of Columbia flag. Ten stamps, Set 1, were issued in spring 2008 (Stars and Stripes, plus Alabama through Delaware). Ten more stamps, Set 2, were issued last fall (District of Columbia through Kansas). The same process will be repeated in 2010, 2011, and 2012, for a total of 60 stamp designs. Four of the six groups of 10 will include a Stars and Stripes stamp.
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]
[Insert 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, 7-16-09
