Abraham Lincoln Leaves His Mark

Postal Service Offers Special Souvenirs

HODGENVILLE, KY — As part of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial, the U.S. Postal Service will honor the former president with a special postmark and commemorative envelope.

The envelope depicts Lincoln’s life from the log cabin in Hardin County, KY (now part of LaRue County), where he was born to a statue of him as a young boy with his dog. It also shows a statue of an older, more mature Lincoln and includes the words “Forever Immortalized.” Included on each envelope will be a Liberty Bell Forever Stamp.

“The Postal Service wanted to play a part in this historic event. We thought a commemorative envelope would be a fitting tribute for such a great man,” said Hodgenville Postmaster Robert Hummer. “I’m very proud of it. It’s something people can look at to remember this historic event for years to come.”

The envelope was designed by LaRue County artist Phyllis Blakeman who, like many, is a big Lincoln fan. She tried to include some of the old with some of the new in her work. “Hodgenville is his birthplace, so I tried to incorporate ideas of the birthplace, little boy and man he became. It’s also very fitting to compare the cabin with the U.S. Capitol.”

The commemorative envelope and special postmark will be available for a limited time at the Hodgenville Post Office beginning Feb. 12. The envelope will be sold for two years; the postmark will be available for 45 days. The envelope will also be available for purchase on Feb. 12 at the Abraham Lincoln National Birthplace in Hodgenville.

Customers can order the envelopes by mail until March 12, 2008. Include a return address, phone number, the quantity desired and a check or money order payable to “Postmaster.” Send order to: Lincoln Bicentennial, c/o Postmaster, Hodgenville Post Office, 102 S. Walters Ave., Hodgenville, KY 42748-9998. The envelopes cost — approximately — $5, the bill that honors Lincoln.