Publicity Kit: Flags of Our Nation Forever Stamps

Stamp Overview

In 2011, the U.S. Postal Service® continues its Flags of Our Nation series with 10 more stamp designs that feature the flags of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the states of Ohio through Tennessee.

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.

Artist Tom Engeman, a resident of Bethany Beach, Dela­ware, created the highly detailed flag portraits and snap­shot views on the stamps. 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).

The following statements describe each of the 10 stamps that will be issued in 2011:

1. Northern Marianas

The blue flag of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mari­ana Islands features the outline of a latte stone (a traditional foundation stone used in building), a five-pointed star, and a wreath. Snapshot art shows sandy beaches with coconut palms.

2. Ohio

The state flag is a tapered, swallow-tailed shape, with 17 stars representing when the state joined the Union; the white circle with the red center is an “O” for Ohio. Snapshot art includes a butterfly, milkweed plants, and a stretch of river.

3. Oklahoma

A Native American shield, a peace pipe, and an olive branch appear above the state name on the flag’s blue field. Snapshot art features oil-pumping equipment.

4. Oregon

This navy blue flag bears a shield surrounded by 33 stars, with an eagle at the crest of the shield, the words “State of Oregon,” and the date “1859” (the year Oregon became the 33rd state). A beaver appears on the reverse of the flag (not shown). Snapshot art includes camas lilies and Mount Hood.

5. Pennsylvania

Centered on the flag’s blue field is the state coat of arms, which features a shield supported by two horses; the shield includes a ship, a plow, and three sheaves of wheat. Snap­shot art features white-tailed deer.

6. Puerto Rico

The flag of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico has five alternating red and white horizontal stripes; a five-pointed star is centered on the blue triangle on the left. Snapshot art includes a Puerto Rican tody, a colorful little bird found throughout the main island.

7. Rhode Island

Centered on the flag’s white field is a gold ship’s anchor surrounded by 13 stars. Below the anchor is a blue ribbon that displays the word “HOPE”, the state motto. Snapshot art features a sailboat with a spinnaker.

8. South Carolina

The flag’s blue field features a crescent and a palmetto tree, both in white. Snapshot art evokes a marshy area, with gazebo, near the coast.

9. South Dakota

On this light blue flag, the state seal is framed by a serrated yellow border and encircled by the words “South Dakota” and “The Mount Rushmore State”. Snapshot art features a herd of bison.

10. Tennessee

At the center of the red, white, and blue flag are three stars on a white-bordered blue disk. Snapshot art depicts male and female scarlet tanagers.

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 (5 strips of 10 designs in each coil). Individual stamps are twice the width of standard definitives.

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).

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.

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 Colum­bus, Ohio, where all 10 stamps in the coil will be dedicated on August 11, 2011. The Postal Service has also authorized a first day of sale postmark for dedication events held on August 11 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.

Flags of our Nation First Day of Issue

The 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 their local Post Office™, 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: Set 5 Stamps
Postmaster
850 Twin Rivers Dr.
Columbus, OH 43216-9998

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 October 11, 2011.

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 here, 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 mailback service for 30 days. The Postal Service must make all post­marking services known to collectors through advance pub­licity in the Postal Bulletin.You must report all first day of sale and special dedication pictorial postmarks to Stamp Ser­vices 2 weeks before the events on PS Form 413, Pictorial Postmark Announcement/Report. You can find the form at http://blue.usps.gov/formmgmt/pt.htm.

First Day of Sale State Postmarks

Northern Marianas First Day of Sale

Ohio First Day of Sale

Oklahoma First Day of Sale

Oregon First Day of Sale

Pennsylvania First Day of Sale

Puerto Rico First Day of Sale

Rhode Island First Day of Sale

South Carolina First Day of Sale

South Dakota First Day of Sale

Tennessee First Day of Sale

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 11, 2011.

Stamp/Philatelic Products

The following stamp/philatelic products will be available for this stamp issuance:

 

Item Number

Product

Price

788363

First Day Cover, Set of 10

$8.80

788368

Digital Color Postmark, Set of 10

$16.00

788391

Ceremony Program (random single)

$6.95

788575

Collector’s Folder

$29.95

Flags of Our Nation First Day of Issue Program

First Day of Issue, First Day of Sale, and Special Dedication Events

A first day of issue ceremony for the complete fifth set of the Flags of Our Nation stamps will be held in Columbus, Ohio, at the American Philatelic Society Stamp Show on August 11, 2011.

First day of sale ceremonies for the individual Flags of Our Nation stamps will also be held on August 11. Special dedi­cation events will be held after August 11, and pictorial post­marks may be created using the first day of sale artwork, provided the word “Station” is depicted in the postmark.

Suggested Planning Timeline for First Day of Sale and Special Dedication Events

 

Action

Suggested Timing

1. Send invitations to local and area dignitaries.

A few weeks before event

2. Send announcements and invitations to employees.

A few weeks before event

3. Distribute public service announcement to radio/TV.

A few weeks before event

4. Distribute news release.

A few weeks before event

5. Distribute media advisory to all news media.

1 week before event

6. Remind invited dignitaries about event via telephone.

5 days before event

7. Redistribute media advisory to all news media.

1 to 2 days before event

8. Make follow-up calls to local news media.

1 day before event

9. Distribute day-of-issuance news release.

Day of event

10. Send letter to newspaper editor thanking community.

1 day after event

11. Send media clips to area Corporate Communications manager.

Within 1 week after event

Note: If you have any questions or need help with any of these items, 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, and what his or her role will be). 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 connect 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 the officials 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 establishments such as local his­toric houses, renovated factories, riverboats, and lighthouses, 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 (such as children of postal employees, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, and 4H Clubs) 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

 

First Day of Issue, Columbus, OH

Roy Betts (national contact)

475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10536
Washington, DC 20260-3122

e-mail: roy.a.betts@usps.gov

Telephone: 202-268-3207

First Day of Issue, Columbus, OH

Polly Gibbs

475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10802
Washington, DC 20260-3500

e-mail: polly.j.gibbs@usps.gov

Telephone: 202-268-7225

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

Duke Gonzales

3600 Aolele St.
Honolulu, HI 96820

e-mail: duke.gonzales@usps.gov

Telephone: 808-423-3713

Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands

Jerome Giles

475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10802
Washington, DC 20260-3500

e-mail: Jerome.K.Giles@usps.gov

Telephone: 202-268-3745

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico

Martin Caballero

585 Ave FD Roosevelt, Ste. 223
San Juan, PR 00936-9312

e-mail: martin.caballero@usps.gov

Telephone: 787-622-1791

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico

Marita Hines

475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10802
Washington, DC 20260-3500

e-mail: marita.e.hines@usps.gov

Telephone: 202-268-6027

Ohio

David Walton

1420 Gardiner Lane, Rm. 110
Louisville, KY 40231-9989

e-mail: David.I.Walton2@usps.gov

Telephone: 502-454-1800

Ohio

Talaya Simpson

475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10802
Washington, DC 20260-3500

e-mail: talaya.s.simpson@usps.gov

Telephone: 202-268-7839

Oklahoma

Dionne Montague

600 N. Sam Houston Pkwy. W
Houston, TX 77067

e-mail: dionne.a.montague@usps.gov

Telephone: 713-226-3278

Oklahoma

Kate Silina

475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10802
Washington, DC 20260-3500

e-mail: Ekaterina.V.Silina@usps.gov

Telephone: 202-268-7626

Oregon

Peter Hass

1441 E Buckeye Rd., Rm. 86
Phoenix, AZ 85034-9123

e-mail: phass1@usps.gov

Telephone: 602-223-3649

Oregon

Jerome Giles

475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10802
Washington, DC 20260-3500

e-mail: Jerome.K.Giles@usps.gov

Telephone: 202-268-3745

Pennsylvania

Ray Daiutolo, Sr.

501 Benigno Blvd.
Bellmawr, NJ 08031-9400

e-mail: raymond.v.daiutolo@usps.gov

Telephone: 856-933-6019

Pennsylvania

Sandra Calos

475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10802
Washington, DC 20260-3500

e-mail: sandra.calos@usps.gov

Telephone: 202-268-7505

Rhode Island

Christine Dugas

24 Colriss St.
Providence, RI 02904-9998

e-mail: christine.dugas@usps.gov

Telephone: 401-276-3915

Rhode Island

Marita Hines

475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10802
Washington, DC 20260-3500

e-mail: marita.e.hines@usps.gov

Telephone: 202-268-6027

South Carolina

Michael Miles

PO Box 599300
North Metro, GA 30026-9300

e-mail: michael.r.miles@usps.gov

Telephone: 770-935-5068

South Carolina

Kate Silina

475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10802
Washington, DC 20260-3500

e-mail: Ekaterina.V.Silina@usps.gov

Telephone: 202-268-7626

South Dakota

Pete Nowacki

200 S. 1st Rm. V212B
Minneapolis, MN 55401-2037

e-mail: peter.j.nowacki@usps.gov

Telephone: 612-349-4428

South Dakota

Sandra Calos

475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10802
Washington, DC 20260-3500

e-mail: sandra.calos@usps.gov

Telephone: 202-268-7505

Tennessee

Beth Barnett

2491 N. Mt. Juliet Rd.
Mt. Juliet, TN 37122-9998

e-mail: beth.b.barnett@usps.gov

Telephone: 615-773-5546

Tennessee

Kate Silina

475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10802
Washington, DC 20260-3500

e-mail: Ekaterina.V.Silina@usps.gov

Telephone: 202-268-7626

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. The Postal Service will launch a 60-stamp series that will feature the Stars and Stripes, the 50 state flags, five territorial flags, and the District of Columbia flag.

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

All news is local, so find an angle that will appeal to the audience.

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 connecting 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.

In 2008, the U.S. Postal Service introduced Flags of Our Nation, a multi-stamp series featuring the 50 state flags, five territorial flags, the District of Columbia flag, and the Stars and Stripes flag. A total of 60 stamp designs will be issued when the series is complete.

In 2011, the U.S. Postal Service continues its Flags of Our Nation series with 10 more stamp designs that feature the flags of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the states of Ohio through Tennessee.

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]
[NAME 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]