Philatelic News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 7, 2002
Stamp Release #02-029
New Fundraising Stamp Honoring Heroes of 9/11 Issued Today In New York City
NEW YORK - The U.S. Postal Service today issued a special stamp whose sales generate funds to provide assistance to families of emergency relief personnel killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty in connection with terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Postmaster General John E. Potter dedicated the stamp at the first day of issue ceremony in Battery Park. He said the stamp is a tangible way for all Americans to become involved.
"We ask every American to use the Heroes of 2001 stamp on every letter and package they send. Because by doing this, we are also sending a message to our friends and a stark reminder to our enemies: We are Americans. We do not shirk our duty. We do not flee from danger. And we do not forget our heroes," said Potter.
"Much has changed since that day in September. Some of us may be tempted to trust a little less. Don't. Rather, I encourage you to look to the example of the heroes of 2001, and instead to trust a little more.
"And I promise you today, we will not allow the mail-a basic service provided by our government to its people-to be taken hostage by shadowy enemies. We will continue to do everything possible to protect this vital symbol of American commerce and freedom. And we will continue to do everything possible to protect our employees and all the American people," he said.
Joining Potter in the dedication of the stamp were New York Gov. George E. Pataki; Mel Martinez, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY); Reps. Jerrold Nadler and Gary L. Ackerman (D-NY); Joe M. Allbaugh, director, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); Raymond W. Kelly, police commissioner, New York City Police Department; and special guests.
"Making this stamp available to all Americans is a fitting way to remember the heroic people that died on that terrible day in September while at the same time it will provide additional support for the family members who lost their loved ones," said Pataki. "I want to thank the Postal Service, whose employees have shown great courage in the face of bioterror threats, for honoring our fellow Americans and delivering the message that we will move forward, but we will never forget."
Martinez said: "The Heroes of 2001 stamp is more than just another postage stamp. It represents an opportunity for us to salute the heroes of Sept. 11 who gave their lives in service to others. For the many Americans who want to 'do something more,' nothing could be simpler than buying a stamp."
The Heroes of 2001 stamp is now available at all post offices. The price of the self-adhesive, non-denominated stamp is 45 cents. As a semipostal, it is valid for postage at the First-Class first-ounce letter rate in effect at the time of purchase (currently 34 cents), with the difference between the sales price of the stamp and the underlying postage consisting of a tax-deductible contribution.
Funds raised in connection with sales of the stamp, net of the Postal Service's reasonable costs, are transferred to FEMA. Over the next several months, FEMA will develop a program designed to meet the intention of Congress to assist the families of the emergency relief workers killed or permanently disabled as a result of the Sept. 11 attacks. FEMA will announce the details of the program later this summer.
"We can never forget the families victimized on Sept. 11. FEMA is honored to be a part of this special stamp issue, and we look forward to doing our part to help," said Allbaugh.
Designed by Derry Noyes of Washington, D.C., the Heroes of 2001 stamp features a detail of the famous photograph taken by Thomas E. Franklin of three firefighters as they raised the U.S. flag at "Ground Zero." Franklin is a staff photographer at The Record newspaper in Bergen County, N.J.
The nation's first semipostal-the Breast Cancer Research stamp-has raised more than $25 million for breast cancer research. This stamp and all current stamps and other philatelic products, as well as a free comprehensive catalog, are available by calling toll free 1 800 STAMP-24. In addition, a selection of current stamps and gift items are available online at the Postal Store at www.usps.com.
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Since 1775, the U.S. Postal Service has connected friends, families, neighbors and businesses by mail. It is an independent federal agency that visits 137 million homes and businesses every day and is the only service provider to deliver to every address in the nation. The Postal Service receives no taxpayer dollars for routine operations, but derives its operating revenues solely from the sale of postage, products and services. With annual revenues of more than $65 billion, it is the world's leading provider of postal services, offering some of the most affordable postage rates in the world. The Postal Service delivers more than 46 percent of the world's mail volume-some 207 billion letters, advertisements, periodicals and packages a year-and serves 7 million customers each day at its 40,000 retail locations nationwide.
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