WASHINGTON – Hearts across America will be set a-flutter by two new additions to the Love stamp series to be issued by the U.S. Postal Service. The stamps will debut Aug.16 during the American Philatelic Society (APS) STAMPSHOW 2002, which runs from Aug.15-18.
The Love stamps will be dedicated at a noon first day of issue ceremony on Aug. 16, held in conjunction with the APS STAMPSHOW 2002, at the Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel, One Ocean Way, Atlantic City NJ 08401.
The Love stamps will be available at the ceremony and at Atlantic City post offices starting Aug.16. The stamps will be available at post offices across the country beginning Aug. 17.
Although APS STAMPSHOW 2002 encourages registration, the stamp show, as well as the stamp ceremony, will be free and open to the public. The ceremony will take place at in room 402.
“The Love stamps are traditionally some of the most beautiful and appreciated stamps in the Postal Service’s commemorative stamp program,” said John F. Walsh, presidentially appointed member of the Postal Service Board of Governors and the dedicating official.
“Since 1973, stamps depicting swans, victorian lace or modern art have announced marriages, births, graduations, and delivered congratulations over the years. Whatever the design, from the moment they are spied on the outside of the envelope, these miniature works of art foretell good news,” Walsh said.
Scheduled to join Walsh at the ceremony are Peter McCann, president, American Philatelic Society; Jackson Taylor, president, American Stamp Dealers Association; and Michael Osborne, designer of the 2002 Love stamps.
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Washington monuments among designs for postage stamps – The U.S. Capitol, a stunning example of neoclassical architecture, is treasured by the American people. Located at the east end of the National Mall, the U.S. Capitol houses the meeting chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives and draws an estimated three to five million visitors each year. |
The first Love stamp was issued by the Postal Service in 1973 with a denomination of 8 cents and an iconic design by pop artist Robert Indiana. Since that time, Love stamps have featured a wide range of subjects, including flowers, animals, cherubs and love letters as well as abstract designs.
This year’s pair of Love stamps feature colorful abstract designs with one bearing a 37-cent denomination, good for the new First Class one-ounce letter rate, and the other valued at 60 cents, useful for mailing heavier items, such as wedding invitations, announcements and RSVPs.
The stamps were designed by Michael Osborne of San Francisco, Calif. Osborne serves as president and creative director of the San Francisco-based graphic design firm that carries his name.
In addition to the Love stamps, the Postal Service is also offering a special Love Commemorative Panel. The panel will be available at the APS STAMPSHOW on Aug. 16. Part of the American Commemorative Collectibles program, this panel will be available at selected post offices Aug.17 and by mail order through the fall edition of the “USA Philatelic” catalog.
Current U.S. stamps, as well as a free comprehensive catalog, are available toll free by calling 1 800 STAMP-24.
