Stamp Overview
In 2012, the U.S. Postal Service® completes its Flags of Our Nation series with the issuance of the last set of 10 stamp designs. The stamps in Set 6 feature the flag of the U.S. Virgin Islands, the state flags of Texas through Wyoming, and the Stars and Stripes, the last stamp — which was also the first stamp — in this series that began in 2008. In all, 60 stamps were issued in 6 separate sets of 10 designs. The format for each set of 10 designs was a coil of 50 stamps.
In the aggregate, the 60 stamps in the Flags of Our Nation series include four depicting the Stars and Stripes, 50 featuring official state flags, and one for each of the following: the territories of American Samoa and Guam, the commonwealths of the Northern Mariana Islands and Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
In addition to the flag art, each stamp design includes artwork that provides a “snapshot view” of the state or other area represented by that 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 was not limited to official animals, flowers, or products, nor was it meant to showcase well-known buildings, landmarks, or monuments.
The ten stamps that will be issued as Set 6 in 2012 are:
1. Texas
The Lone Star Flag dates from 1839, when it was approved as the national flag of the Republic of Texas. Snapshot art depicts a field of cotton, a major cash crop grown on millions of acres in the state.
2. Utah
Elements of the state seal appear on the Utah flag; the beehive at the center represents hard work and industry. Snapshot art includes cactus in bloom; in the background is a highly stylized arch formation.
3. Vermont
The flag’s dark blue field holds the state coat of arms, which features a tall pine tree at the center. Snapshot art depicts a great horned owl.
4. U.S. Virgin Islands
A modified version of the U.S. coat of arms is included on this flag. Snapshot art features a leaping sailfish.
5. Virginia
The flag’s deep blue field includes the coat of arms of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Snapshot art shows modern-day replicas of the three ships that brought English settlers to Jamestown in 1607.
6. Washington
George Washington is depicted on the state seal at the center of the flag’s dark green field. Snapshot art evokes the beauty of Washington’s evergreen forests.
7. West Virginia
The blue-bordered white flag includes the state coat of arms, a wreath of rhododendron, and a red ribbon bearing the words “State of West Virginia.” Snapshot art shows a flock of wild turkeys.
8. Wisconsin
The state coat of arms is positioned at the center of the flag’s blue field; also included are the state name and “1848,” the date Wisconsin became part of the Union. Snapshot art depicts dairy cattle.
9. Wyoming
Red and white borders frame the flag’s blue field; the state seal, in blue and white, is positioned on the white silhouette of a bison. Snapshot art features a male bighorn sheep in the foreground, with a female bighorn in the background.
10. Stars and Stripes
The 13 horizontal stripes represent the 13 original colonies; the 50 stars represent the 50 states. Snapshot art depicts “the fruited plain” of “America the Beautiful,” by Katharine Lee Bates.
Art director Howard E. Paine collaborated with award-winning artist Tom Engeman on the 60 stamps in this series.
The 10 stamps in Set 6 of the Flags of Our Nation series are being issued as Forever® stamps in self-adhesive coils of 50 (5 of each design). Forever stamps are always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail® 1-ounce price. At the time of issuance, the Set 6 stamps of the Flags of Our Nation series are being sold at a price of 45 cents each, or $22.50 per coil.
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 Sacramento, California, where all 10 stamps in the coil will be dedicated on August 16, 2012. The Postal Service has also authorized a first-day-of-sale postmark for dedication events held on August 16 in cities other than the officially designated first-day-of-issue city. Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark and 30 days to obtain the first-day-of-sale postmarks by mail.
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 6 Stamps
Postmaster
Sacramento Post Office
2000 Royal Oaks Drive
Sacramento, CA 95813-9998
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 16, 2012.
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. Therefore, 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
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 wish to obtain the first-day-of-sale pictorial postmark have 30 days to submit their request. 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 any of the following addresses:
Flags of Our Nation
First-Day-of-Sale Special Dedication Postmarks
Texas Station
Postmaster
8225 Cross Park Drive
Austin, TX 78710-9998
Flags of Our Nation
First-Day-of-Sale Special Dedication Postmarks
Utah Station
Postmaster
1760 W. 2100 S
Salt Lake City, UT 84199-9998
Flags of Our Nation
First-Day-of-Sale Special Dedication Postmarks
Vermont Station
Postmaster
87 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05602-9998
Flags of Our Nation
First-Day-of-Sale Special Dedication Postmarks
Virginia Station
Postmaster
1801 Brook Road
Richmond, VA 23232-9998
Flags of Our Nation
First-Day-of-Sale Special Dedication Postmarks
Virgin Island Station
Postmaster
9846 East Thomas
St. Thomas, VI 00802-9998
Flags of Our Nation
First-Day-of-Sale Special Dedication Postmarks
Washington Station
Postmaster
900 Jefferson St. SE
Olympia, WA 98501-9998
Flags of Our Nation
First-Day-of-Sale Special Dedication Postmarks
West Virginia Station
Postmaster
1002 Lee St. East
Charleston, WV 25301-9998
Flags of Our Nation
First-Day-of-Sale Special Dedication Postmarks
Wisconsin Station
Postmaster
3902 Milwaukee St.
Madison, WI 53707-7990
Flags of Our Nation
First-Day-of-Sale Special Dedication Postmarks
Wyoming Station
Postmaster
4800 Converse Ave.
Cheyenne, WY 82009-9998
Flags of Our Nation
First-Day-of-Sale Special Dedication Postmarks
USA Station
Special Events Unit
900 Brentwood Rd., NE, Rm. 2021
Washington, DC 20066-9998
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 September 16, 2012.
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 sixth set of the Flags of Our Nation stamps will be held in Sacramento, California, at the American Philatelic Society Stamp Show on August 16, 2012.
First-day-of-sale ceremonies for the individual Flags of Our Nation stamps will also be held on August 16. Special dedication events will be held after August 16, 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
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
n 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.
n 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.
n 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.
n 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
n Send a written thank you letter to all elected officials who participated in the ceremony, expressing your appreciation.
n 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.
n 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.
n 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.
n 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
Corporate Communications Contacts
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Government Relations Contacts
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First Day of Issue, Sacramento, CA
Katina Fields (national contact)
475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10536
Washington, DC 20260-3122
e-mail: katina.w.fields@usps.gov
Telephone: 202-268-6229
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First Day of Issue, Sacramento, CA
Jerome Giles
475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10802
Washington, DC 20260-3500
e-mail: jerome.k.giles@usps.gov
Telephone: 202-268-2488
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Texas
Robert Bolen
301 N. Guadalupe, Rm. 108
San Marcos, TX 78666-9998
e-mail: robert.s.bolen@usps.gov
Telephone: 512-670-6821
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Texas
David Coleman
475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10802
Washington, DC 20260-3500
e-mail: david.p.coleman@usps.gov
Telephone: 202-268-3745
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Utah
Brian Sperry
1745 Stout Street, Suite 1075
Denver, CO 80299-750
e-mail: brian.s.sperry@usps.gov
Telephone: 303-313-5132
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Utah
David Coleman
475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10802
Washington, DC 20260-3500
e-mail: david.p.coleman@usps.gov
Telephone: 202-268-3745
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Vermont
Maureen Marion
6 Griffin Rd.
N. Windsor, CT 06006-7010
e-mail: Maureen.p.marion@usps.gov
Telephone: 860-285-7029
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Vermont
Ekaterina Silina
475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10802
Washington, DC 20260-3500
e-mail: ekaterina.v.silina@usps.gov
Telephone: 202-268-6027
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U.S. Virgin Islands
Maureen Marion
6 Griffin Rd.
N. Windsor, CT 06006-7010
e-mail: Maureen.p.marion@usps.gov
Telephone: 860-285-7029
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U.S. Virgin Islands
Ekaterina Silina
475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10802
Washington, DC 20260-3500
e-mail: ekaterina.v.Silina@usps.gov
Telephone: 202-268-6027
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Virginia
Freda Sauter
21 Magothy Bridge Rd.
Severna Park, MD 21146-1002
e-mail: freda.g.sauter@usps.gov
Telephone: 410-431-5401
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Virginia
Jason Lamote
475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10802
Washington, DC 20260-3500
e-mail: jason.a.lamote@usps.gov
Telephone: 202-268-3743
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Washington
Ernie Swanson
34301 9th Ave. S, Rm. 222
Federal Way, WA 98003-7093
e-mail: ernst.a.swanson@usps.gov
Telephone: 253-214-1830
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Washington
James Cari
475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10802
Washington, DC 20260-3500
e-mail: james.k.cari@usps.gov
Telephone: 202-268-6029
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West Virginia
Cathy Yarosky
3190 S. 70th St., Rm. 610
Philadelphia, PA 19153-9992
e-mail: cathy.yarosky@usps.gov
Telephone: 215-863-5024
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West Virginia
Shaun Chang
475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10802
Washington, DC 20260-3500
e-mail: shaun.k.chang@usps.gov
Telephone: 202-268-7626
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Wisconsin
Sean Hargadon
244 Knollwood Dr.
Bloomingdale, IL 60117-0000
e-mail: sean.p.hargadon@usps.gov
Telephone: 630-539-4835
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Wisconsin
Jeremy Simmons
475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10802
Washington, DC 20260-3500
e-mail: jeremy.l.simmons@usps.gov
Telephone: 202-268-7839
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Wyoming
David Rupert
1745 Stout St., Suite 1075
Denver, CO 80299-7500
e-mail: david.g.rupert@usps.gov
Telephone: 303-313-5134
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Wyoming
Cathy Pagano
475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm. 10802
Washington, DC 20260-3500
e-mail: cathy.v.pagano@usps.gov
Telephone: 202-268-3427
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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. This is the final set in a 60-stamp series that featured the Stars and Stripes, the 50 state flags, five territorial flags, and the District of Columbia flag.
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.
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]
— Community Relations,
Corporate Communications, 7-26-12
