The series features the state flags of Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina and North Dakota. As an added bonus, the Stars and Stripes that depicts the “purple mountain majesties” inspired by the opening lines of “America the Beautiful” by Katharine Lee Bates also is included. The 44-cent First-Class Mail stamps, printed in coils of 50, are available nationwide.
U.S. Postal Service Senior Vice President and General Counsel Mary Anne Gibbons dedicated the stamps at the American Stamp Dealers Association, Inc. stamp show in New York City. Additionally, events were being held throughout April at the various state capitol buildings with state flags featured in this historic stamp series.
“The flags depicted in nine of these stamps we dedicate ... represent contributions these states have made to the development and growth of our nation,” said Gibbons. “Many principles these states exemplify also can be recognized within the Postal Service — diversity, unity, pride and values. As the nation works to recover from the current economic crisis, the employees of the Postal Service work to bring you record-breaking service and a continuing commitment. I want to assure you, just as these flags wave and this nation holds strong, the Postal Service will continue to deliver for you.”
Joining Gibbons to dedicate the new stamps were Mark Eastzer, vice president, American Stamp Dealers Association, Inc.; Howard E. Paine, art director, designer and typographer; Raschelle A. Parker, manager, Customer Relations, New York District, U.S. Postal Service; and Percival Prince, manager, Business Mail Entry Unit, U.S. Postal Service.
Last year, the third set in the series included the Stars and Stripes and the state and territorial flags of Kentucky through Missouri. Stamps depicting Northern Marianas through Tennessee will be issued in 2011, Texas through Wyoming and the U.S.A. Fruited Plain Flag stamp will conclude the series in 2012. The series began in 2008.
Artist Tom Engeman of Bethany Beach, DE, working under the direction of stamp designer Howard E. Paine of Delaplane, VA, created the highly detailed flag portraits on the stamps. Past designs created by Engeman include the National World War II Memorial stamp (2004) and the nation’s first Forever stamp (2007), featuring the Liberty Bell.
The Flags of our Nation stamps can be purchased at Post Offices at www.usps.com/shop and by calling 800-STAMP-24.
Flags of our Nation Stamps, Set 4
Flags of our Nation, Set 3
Flags of our Nation, Set 2
Flags of our Nation, Set 1
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