U.S. Flag Stamp Flies High

WASHINGTON, Jan. 27, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The U.S. Postal Service dedicated a new U.S. Flag stamp today at the Southeastern Stamp Expo in Norcross, GA, continuing the organization's tradition of celebrating patriotism through stamps that feature one of our nation's most recognizable symbols. The stamp features a detail from a photograph of the billowing Stars and Stripes.

"A traditional take on an old favorite, the new U.S. Flag stamp adds a touch of majesty and patriotic grace to First-Class Mail correspondence," said Jeffrey C. Williamson, the Postal Service's chief human resources officer and executive vice president, who dedicated the stamp. "The elegant yet simple design of the stamp conveys the quiet dignity of Old Glory waving in the wind and calls to mind the values of liberty and justice the American flag represents."

Williamson was joined at the stamp dedication by retired Brig. Gen. Mitchell Zais , president, American Philatelic Society; Mary-Anne Penner, director of Stamp Services, U.S. Postal Service; Edwin L. Jackson, senior public service associate emeritus, University of Georgia; and Beatrix Clark, philatelist.

The words "USA" and "FOREVER" are printed on the bottom of the design. Terrence W. McCaffrey was the art director of the project and Greg Breeding of Charlottesville, VA, designed the stamp with an existing photograph of the flag taken by Tom Grill of New York City.

The U.S. Flag stamp is being issued in self-adhesive booklets of 10 and 20 stamps, a coil of 100 stamps and an automated teller machine (ATM) sheetlet of 18 stamps. This Forever stamp will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price. The public is asked to share the news of the stamp using the hashtag #USFlagStamps.

The credit line "© Tom Grill/Corbis" should appear in profile text associated with the stamp.

Customers may purchase the U.S. Flag Forever stamp at usps.com/stamps, at the Postal Store usps.com/shop, by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724) and at Post Offices nationwide. A variety of stamps and collectibles also is available at ebay.com/stamps.

Ordering First-Day-of-Issue Postmarks
Customers have 60 days to obtain first-day-of-issue postmarks by mail. They may purchase new stamps at local Post Offices, at the Postal Store usps.com/shop or by calling 800-STAMP-24. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes to themselves or others and place them in envelopes addressed to:
 
FDOI-U.S. Flag
Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64121-9014
 
After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for postmarks up to a quantity of 50. For more than 50, customers are charged 5 cents each. All orders must be postmarked by March 27, 2017.
 
Ordering First-Day Covers
The Postal Service also offers first-day covers for new stamps and stationery items postmarked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog, online at usps.com/shop or by calling 800-782-6724. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-782-6724 or writing to:
 
U.S. Postal Service
Catalog Request
PO Box 219014
Kansas City, MO 64121-9014
 
The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.
 
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A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=42106