USPS News: Philatelic Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 10, 2001 Stamp Release No. 01-042 Nation's Veterans to be Honored with New Postage Stamp Issued on National Mall in Washington DC WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service today announced plans for a new commemorative stamp saluting the nation's veterans, to be dedicated May 23 at a first day of issue ceremony on the National Mall. The Honoring Veterans stamp first day of issue ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. (ET), near the intersection of 4th Street N.W. and Jefferson Drive. It is free and open to the public. This national first day of issue ceremony will kick off local stamp dedication events at many postal facilities across the country. The 34-cent self-adhesive stamp will be available at all post offices starting May 23. "The Honoring Veterans stamp pays tribute to the patriotic dedication of all the men and women who have served in the U.S. armed forces," said John F. Walsh, presidentially appointed member of the Postal Service Board of Governors, who will be the dedicating official for the event. "The stamp will also serve as a 'thank you' to those veterans who continue to serve as members of veterans service organizations," he said. Scheduled to join Walsh at the ceremony are Sens. Max Cleland (D-GA) and Susan M. Collins (R-ME) and Rep. John D. Dingell (D-MI). Many veterans continue to serve their country, their fellow veterans and their communities by becoming members of veterans service organizations. These organizations provide aid to veterans and their families, including assistance with benefit applications, transportation to Veterans Affairs medical facilities and burial and memorial services. Local communities also benefit from the work of veterans service organizations, through scholarship programs, youth sports activities and other programs designed to promote civic pride. The present population of U.S. veterans is estimated to be nearly 25 million. Designed by Carl Herrman, of Carlsbad, Calif., the stamp features a photograph of the United States flag. One of the most recognized symbols of freedom in the world, the U.S. flag also symbolizes the patriotic service to the nation – in peace and war-of all U.S. veterans. The phrase "Honoring Veterans" appears at the top of the stamp, and the phrase "Continuing to Serve" appears at the bottom. To see the Honoring Veterans stamp, and images of other forthcoming 2001 stamps and stationery, visit the Postal Store at www.usps.com and select "Stamp Release Schedule." To see previous releases, select "Index of Stamp Issues." All current stamps and other philatelic products, as well as a free comprehensive catalog, are available by calling toll free 1 800 STAMP-24. A selection of current stamps and gift items are available online at the Postal Store. # # # TECHNICAL DETAILS Issue: Honoring Veterans Item Number: 450700 Denomination & Type of Issue: 34-cent Commemorative Format: Pane of 20 (1 design) Series: N/A Issue Date & City: May 23, 2001, Washington, DC 20066 Photograph: Harold Lambert Studios, Inc./Archive Photos Designer: Carl Herrman, Carlsbad, CA 92009 Engraver: N/A Art Director: Carl Herrman, Carlsbad, CA 92009 Typographer: Carl Herrman, Carlsbad, CA 92009 Modeler: Joseph Sheeran Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprinting, "USA" Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU) Printed at: Williamsville, NY Press Type: Stevens, Vari-size Security Press Stamps per Coil/Pane: 20 Print Quantity: 200 million stamps Paper Type: Prephosphored, Type I Gum Type: Self-adhesive Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow Stamp Orientation: Horizontal Image Area (w x h): 1.40 x 0.84 in./35.56 x 21.336 mm Overall Size (w x h): 1.56 x 0.99 in./39.624 x 25.146 mm Full Pane Size (w x h): 7.135 x 5.90 in./181.229 x 149.86 mm Plate Size: 180 stamps per revolution Plate Numbers: "P" followed by four (4) single digits Marginal Markings: © 2000 USPS - Plate Block (9 positions) - Price - Plate Numbers - Barcodes Catalog Item Number(s): 450740 Full pane of 20 - $6.80 450730 Block of 10 - $3.40 450720 Block of 4 - $1.36 450761 First Day Cover - $0.55 How to Order the First Day of Issue Postmark Customers have 30 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, by telephone at 1 800 STAMP-24, and at the Postal Store Web site, www.usps.com. 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: HONORING VETERANS COMMEMORATIVE STAMP POSTMASTER 900 BRENTWOOD RD NE WASHINGTON DC 20066-9991 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 June 22, 2001.