MARSHALL COMMEMORATIVE. PMG Jack Potter and U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist will dedicate the first U.S. commemorative stamp of 2003 on Jan. 7, honoring Thurgood Marshall. The stamp will become the newest addition to the long-running Black Heritage series. "The Postal Service is proud to honor Thurgood Marshall's life and historic accomplishments," said Potter. He called the stamp "a lasting tribute to one of the pioneers of civil rights and social equality in our country."

Rehnquist describes Supreme Court Justice Marshall as "a worthy and well-liked colleague. Honoring his memory with the issuance of a commemorative stamp is a fitting tribute to a man who left an indelible mark upon the law of his country."

Marshall (1908-1993) was a famed civil rights lawyer and the first African American U.S. Supreme Court justice, serving from 1967 to 1991. His tenure was marked by his commitment to defending constitutional rights and affirmative action, and by his strong opposition to the death penalty. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom — the nation's highest civilian honor — Nov. 30, 1993.

CHANGE COMING. Eastern Area Vice President Gary McCurdy will retire from USPS in January. Philadelphia District Manager Al Lazaroff will begin working with him immediately to assume the vice president's job in an acting capacity beginning Jan. 4.