INDIANAPOLIS, IN— The U.S. Postal Service and Hoosier stamp collectors gathered at the Indianapolis Post Office today for a small ceremony to recognize October as National Stamp Collecting Month. The month-long observance is intended to raise awareness about the recreational benefits of stamp collecting among all age groups.
“Stamp collecting, also known as philately (pronounced fill-AT-ely), is considered the most popular hobby in the world,” said Jim Mruk, Manager of Corporate Communications for the U.S. Postal Service Great Lakes Area, who served as master of ceremonies for the event.
John Becker, President of the Indiana Postal History Society and Vice President of Indiana Stamp Club, represented stamp collectors and spoke of his life-long passion for philately. “Collectors can specialize in new or used stamps, stamps issued by different countries, or stamps featuring a specific theme (called topical collecting),” Becker said.
Acting Indianapolis Postmaster Larry Diegel talked about the Flags of our Nation stamp series, and specifically the new Indiana stamp. It features the Indiana flag, a tractor and high-rise skyline symbolizing agriculture and industry located within the state. “Indiana has a lot to be proud of,” said Diegel, “and Hoosiers should be proud of their new stamp.”
The Flags of our Nation stamps series features Stars and Stripes, the 50 state flags, five territorial flags and the District of Columbia flag. Ten stamps were issued in the spring (Stars and Stripes, plus Alabama through Delaware), followed by 10 more in the fall (District of Columbia through Kansas). The same process will be repeated in 2009 and 2010, for a total of 60 stamp designs.
How to Order the Special Postmark
To recognize the Indiana stamp the Indianapolis Post Office has a special postmark. Customers have 30 days to obtain the postmark by mail. Customers may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, by telephone at 800-STAMP-24, or at the Postal Store website at www.usps.com/shop. 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:
Philatelic Services
Flags of Our Nation
Indiana Stamp Special Cancellation
Indianapolis Main Post Office
125 W. South Street
Indianapolis IN 46206-9997
After applying the special postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by Nov. 15, 2008.
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