WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Postal Service starts saluting flags of every state in the union, its five territories and the District of Columbia next spring when it introduces the first 10 of the 60 Flags of Our Nation First-Class coiled stamps.
”These beautiful symbols of democracy are educational treasures that make for a great introduction to stamp collecting,” said Postmaster General John Potter. “As one of the world’s most popular hobbies, stamp collecting is an activity the entire family can enjoy.”
The unfurling begins in alphabetical order next spring with the debut of stamps honoring flags of Alabama through Delaware — including the Stars and Stripes — followed by 10 more in the fall — District of Columbia through Kansas. The waving continues in 2009 and 2010 to complete the 60 stamp designs. Four of the six groups of 10 will include a Stars and Stripes stamp. The definitive stamps will be arranged alphabetically in strips of 10 and sold in coils of 100, with 10 strips of 10 designs in each coil.
Artist Tom Engeman of Brunswick, MD, created the highly detailed flag portraits to include state seals and coats of arms. In addition to the flag art, each stamp design includes artwork that provides a “snapshot view” of the state or other area represented by a particular flag. In most cases, an everyday scene or activity is shown, but occasionally the view is of something less commonplace —rare wildlife, perhaps, or a stunning vista. Unlike some previous multi-stamp issuances, this series is not limited to official animals, flowers, or products, nor is it meant to showcase well-known buildings, landmarks, or monuments.
1. Stars and Stripes stamp
The 13 horizontal stripes represent the 13 original colonies; the 50 stars represent the 50 states. Snapshot art depicts the “spacious skies” of “America the Beautiful,” by Katharine Lee Bates.
2. Alabama flag stamp
The flag has a white field with a crimson St. Andrew’s cross. Snapshot art shows a shrimp boat trailed by birds.
3. Alaska flag stamp
The flag’s blue field displays the Big Dipper, or Great Bear (for strength), and the North Star (for northernmost state). Snapshot art features a humpback whale.
4. American Samoa flag stamp
The flag is blue with a red-edged white triangle. Inside the white triangle is an American bald eagle clutching traditional Samoan symbols: a war club and a staff. Snapshot art depicts palm trees and mountains.
5. Arizona flag stamp
The copper star on the flag symbolizes mineral riches; red and yellow rays recall the beauty of Arizona sunsets. Snapshot art shows the saguaro cactus, whose blossom is the state flower.
6. Arkansas flag stamp
The state name and four stars (for major aspects of Arkansas history) appear inside the flag’s central white diamond; the blue band bordering the white diamond contains 25 stars (Arkansas was the 25th state to join the Union). Snapshot art shows the wood duck, often seen in state ponds and streams.
7. California flag stamp
The flag is based on a design dating from 1846, when California settlers declared independence from Mexico. The grizzly bear symbolizes strength. Snapshot art depicts a coastal area in central California.
8. Colorado flag stamp
The flag’s two large blue stripes match the blue in the U.S. flag; the “C” matches the red. A golden disk fills the space inside the letter “C.” Snapshot art shows snowy peaks and evergreen trees.
9. Connecticut flag stamp
The flag’s azure blue field holds the official Arms of the State; the white streamer below the shield carries the state motto. Snapshot art offers a glimpse of the Connecticut shoreline.
10. Delaware flag stamp
Delaware’s flag design marks the date the “First State” ratified the U.S. Constitution: December 7, 1787. Inside the diamond shape above the date is the state coat of arms. Snapshot art features a Delaware beach scene.
An independent federal agency, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that visits every address in the nation, 146 million homes and businesses, six days a week. It has 37,000 retail locations and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to pay for operating expenses, not tax dollars. The Postal Service has annual revenues of $73 billion and delivers nearly half the world’s mail.
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