Oregon Statehood Stamp Unveiled by Governor at State Capitol

Stamp to be issued in Portland and sold throughout Oregon on Jan. 14, 2009

SALEM — At the State Capitol today, Gov. Ted Kulongoski unveiled the design for the U.S. postage stamp that will be released next year in honor of Oregon’s 150th birthday.

Kulongoski, joined by United States Postal Service Portland District Manager Dallas Keck, announced that the new 42-cent commemorative stamp will be available for sale beginning Jan. 14, 2009 — exactly one month before the state’s sesquicentennial.

An official First Day of Issue ceremony celebrating the stamp’s release will take place in Portland; details regarding that ceremony will be released at a later date.

The new stamp will also be available throughout Oregon at all of its Post Offices on Jan. 14, so everyone in Oregon will have a chance to obtain Oregon Statehood stamps that day, Kulongoski noted.

Beaverton artist Gregory Manchess’ oil painting depicts the rugged Oregon coastline in the design used for the stamp. This is the first stamp design created by Manchess.

Oregon was welcomed as the 33rd State in the Union on February 14, 1859. The issuance of the stamp is just one part of many events and celebrations planned to mark the sesquicentennial. Information on those events is available at oregon150.org.

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