Stamp Overview
In 2010, the U.S. Postal Service® continues its Flags of Our Nation series with 10 more stamp designs that feature the Stars and Stripes plus the states of Montana through North Dakota. The stamps will go on sale April 16.
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).
In addition to the flag art, each stamp design includes a “snapshot view” of the state or other area represented by a particular flag. This artwork, also by Tom Engeman, usually shows an ordinary scene or activity, or a typical plant or animal, but occasionally it depicts something less commonplace. It is not restricted to official animals, flowers, and products; nor is it meant to showcase familiar buildings, landmarks, and monuments. For the U.S. flag stamp designs, the artist created scenes inspired by the opening lines of “America the Beautiful,” written by Katharine Lee Bates (1859–1929).
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
2010 — Set 4 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 4
The following statements describe each of the 10 stamps that will be issued in 2010:
1. Stars and Stripes
The 13 horizontal stripes represent the 13 original colonies; the 50 stars represent the 50 states. Snapshot art depicts the “purple mountain majesties” of “America the Beautiful,” by Katharine Lee Bates.
2. Montana
The blue field of the Montana flag contains a reproduction of the state seal, which includes symbols of agricultural and mineral wealth, as well as mountains, the sun, and the Great Falls of the Missouri River. Snapshot art shows a mountain lion in the snow.
3. Nebraska
At the center of the flag is the state seal, reproduced “in gold and silver, on a field of national blue.” Snapshot art depicts a center-pivot system irrigating a field.
4. Nevada
The flag displays a half wreath of sagebrush cradling a single star; a banner with the words “Battle Born” refers to Nevada’s admission to the Union during the Civil War. Snapshot art features ocotillos against a mountainous background.
5. New Hampshire
In this flag design, the state seal is centered on a field of blue, with a wreath of laurel leaves and nine stars surrounding it; the 18th-century frigate Raleigh can be seen at the center of the seal. Snapshot art features a loon swimming in a lake against a background of trees and mountains.
6. New Jersey
The buff-colored flag features the state seal; three plows on the shield portion of the seal refer to the Garden State’s agricultural tradition. Snapshot art depicts a sand sculpture on a beach in New Jersey.
7. New Mexico
The flag has an ancient sun symbol, in red, at the center of a yellow field. Snapshot art shows colorful hot-air balloons in flight with mountains in the background.
8. New York
This blue flag includes the state seal, which features “Liberty” and “Justice” standing beside a shield showing mountains, a golden sun, blue sky, and two sailing vessels on a river. Snapshot art depicts fireboats spouting water against a backdrop of skyscrapers.
9. North Carolina
At the center of the flag’s blue union is a white star set between the state’s initials; important dates in North Carolina history appear above and below the star and initials. Snapshot art shows a great blue heron, with the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in the background.
10. North Dakota
The flag features an eagle clutching a bundle of arrows and an olive branch; the eagle’s beak holds a ribbon with the words “E Pluribus Unum.” Snapshot art shows elk grazing on a plain.
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 New York City, where all 10 stamps in the coil will be dedicated on April 16, 2010. The Postal Service has also authorized a first day of sale postmark for dedicaiton events held on April 16 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 have 60 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at the local Post Office™ facility, at The Postal Store® website at www.usps.com/shop, or by calling 800-STAMP-24. They 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 4
Postmaster
421 Eighth Ave., Rm. 2029b
New York, NY 10199-9998
After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by June 16, 2010.
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 June 16.
Stamp/Philatelic Products
The following stamp/philatelic products will be available for this stamp issuance:
Collect the entire series of the Flags of Our Nation stamps! Purchase our collector’s Folio, Item No. 786575, $29.95, which contains the Series 1 coil with mounts and placeholders for all of the Flags of Our Nation series stamps.
First Day of Issue, First Day of Sale, and Special Dedication Events
A first day of issue ceremony for the complete fourth set of the Flags of Our Nation stamps will be held in New York City, on April 16, 2010.
First day of sale ceremonies for the individual Flags of Our Nation stamps will also be held on April 16. Special dedication events will be held after April 16, 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 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
|
Government Relations Contacts
|
First Day of Issue,
New York, NY
Roy Betts (national contact)
475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW,
Rm. 10636
Washington, DC 20260-3122
roy.a.betts@usps.gov
202-268-3207
|
First Day of Issue,
New York, NY
Laurie Solnik (national contact)
475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW,
Rm. 10804
Washington, DC 20260-3500
laurie.solnik@usps.gov
202-268-3743
|
Montana
Al DeSarro
1745 Stout St.
Denver, CO 80299-7500
al.j.desarro@usps.gov
303-313-5182
|
Montana
Linda Macasa
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW,
Rm. 10804
Washington, DC 20260-3500
linda.d.macasa@usps.gov
202-268-3750
|
Nebraska
Brian Sperry
1745 Stout St.
Denver, CO 80299-7500
brian.s.sperry@usps.gov
303-313-5132
|
Nebraska
Mico Milanovic
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Rm. 10804
Washington, DC 20260-3500
mico.milanovic@usps.gov
202-268-7217
|
Nevada
David Rupert
1745 Stout St.
Denver, CO 80299-7500
david.g.rupert@usps.gov
303-313-5134
|
Nevada
Linda Macasa
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW,
Rm. 10804
Washington, DC 20260-3500
linda.d.macasa@usps.gov
202-268-3750
|
New Hampshire
Thomas Rizzo
151 Forest Ave.
Portland, ME 04101-0000
thomas.p.rizzo@usps.gov
207-482-7111
|
New Hampshire
Jo Waterman
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW,
Rm. 10804
Washington, DC 20260-3500
jo.a.waterman@usps.gov
202-268-6748
|
New Jersey
Raymond Daiutolo, Sr.
615 Chestnut Street., 15th Fl.
Philadelphia, PA 19106-4404
raymond.v.daiutolo@usps.gov
215-931-5049
|
New Jersey
Jo Waterman
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW,
Rm. 10804
Washington, DC 20260-3500
jo.a.waterman@usps.gov
202-268-6748
|
New Mexico
Stephen Seewoester
7800 N. Stemmons Fwy.,
Ste. 450
Dallas, TX 75247-4220
stephen.a.seewoester@usps.gov
214-819-8707
|
New Mexico
Mico Milanovic
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW,
Rm. 10804
Washington, DC 20260-3500
mico.milanovic@usps.gov
202-268-7217
|
New York
Darleen Reid
421 8th Ave., Rm. 3023
New York, NY 10199-9998
dreid@usps.gov
212-330-2929
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New York
Gina Crocenzi
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW,
Rm. 10804
Washington, DC 20260-3500
a.g.crocenzi@usps.gov
202-268-6027
|
North Carolina
Carl Walton
418 Gallimore Dairy Rd.
Greensboro, NC 27498-9800
carl.a.walton@usps.gov
336-668-1257
Monica Robbs
2901 Scott Futrell Dr.
Charlotte, NC 28228-9907
monica.c.robbs@usps.gov
704-393-4487
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North Carolina
Linda Macasa
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW,
Rm. 10804
Washington, DC 20260-3500
linda.d.macasa@usps.gov
202-268-3750
|
North Dakota
Peter Nowacki
200 S. 1st. St., Rm. V212B
Minneapolis, MN 55401-2037
peter.j.nowacki@usps.gov
612-349-4428
|
North Dakota
Talaya Simpson
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW,
Rm. 10804
Washington, DC 20260-3500
talaya.s.simpson@usps.gov
202-268-7839
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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 2 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 [Insert information on your own state here. Montana is given below as a sample. In keeping with the theme, the focus is on natural beauty.] (Source: State tourism website.)
Montana is a state in the Western United States. Montana’s nickname is the “Treasure State.” Other nicknames include “Land of Shining Mountains,” “Big Sky Country,” and the slogan “The Last Best Place.” The western third of the state contains numerous mountain ranges; other ‘island’ ranges are found in the central third of the state, for a total of 77 named ranges of the Rocky Mountains. This geographical fact is reflected in the state’s name, derived from the Spanish word montaña (mountain). With a land area of 145,552 square miles, the state of Montana is the fourth largest in the United States (after Alaska, Texas, and California).
The economy is primarily based on ranching, wheat farming, oil, and coal in the east; lumber, tourism and hard rock mining in the west.
Montana is a great place to live and visit. Millions of tourists annually visit:
n Glacier National Park.
n The Battle of Little Bighorn site.
n Three of the five entrances to Yellowstone National Park.
Montana is bordered by the Canadian Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan on the north, Idaho on the west, Wyoming on the south, and North Dakota and South Dakota on the east.
Montana is America the beautiful. And, today, all Americans are 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 9 state flags and the Stars and Stripes flag, our ceremony will highlight the special role of the [Insert State Name] state flag stamp.
Flags of Our Nation stamps celebrate a multistamp 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 stamps, Set 2, were issued in fall 2008 (District of Columbia through Kansas). Ten more stamps, Set 3, were issued in summer 2009 (Stars and Stripes, plus Kentucky through Missouri). The same process will be repeated in 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, 3-25-10
