Photo By Staff Sgt. Marie Adams | U.S. Army Lt. Col. John Haefner, Fort A.P. Hill commander shows his gratitude for the...... read more read more
FORT A.P. HILL, Va. -- The U.S. Postal Service honored the Boy Scouts of America centennial by introducing a commemorative stamp in a “first day of issue” ceremony at the BSA 2010 National Scout Jamboree July 27.
The stamp, titled “Celebrate Scouting,” was designed by California-based illustrator Craig Frazier, and features a Scout atop a cliff gazing into the distance, superimposed over the silhouette of a Scout looking through binoculars. The stamp went on sale to the public the same day.
According to David Failor, USPS’ executive director of stamp services, more than 200 people lined up early Tuesday to purchase the stamps, which were made available at the Post Office at the Jamboree.
“We’ve had a great relationship with the BSA, and the Jamboree combined with the centennial anniversary made for a great opportunity to demonstrate that history,” he said.
Jerome Biedny, an Eagle Scout from Bloomington, Minn., served as the master of ceremonies, providing the audience of Scouts, leaders and distinguished visitors a humorous retrospective of his Scouting career and how the BSA piqued his interest in stamp collecting.
Lt. Col. John Haefner, Fort A.P. Hill commander, praised the dedication of the BSA for building character in young men and reflected on the impact of the letter on Scouts and service members alike.
“Remember what it is like to open a letter, especially to all you veterans,” he said. “Letters are just like… the home. The home is always bigger on the inside than it is on the outside.”
Following remarks from Samuel Pulcrano, the USPS vice president of sustainability and established Scout leader, the guest speakers revealed a large-scale mock-up of the stamp. Guests in attendance received a commemorative postcard depiction of the stamp, a program and an envelope bearing the new stamp.
“Since we issued our first commemorative stamp more than a century ago, our stamp program has recognized our country’s educational, artistic, historical and professional accomplishments,” said Pulcrano. “As of today, scouting will become a part of our stamp legacy.”
Robert Mazzcusa, the BSA’s chief scout executive, closed the ceremony with a colorful history of the relationship between stamps and Scouts, emphasizing the 100-year milestone of the BSA organization, and thanking the U.S. military for their unparalleled support of the organization over the years.
“Let’s keep those in mind who are serving in our armed forces through the simple act of sending a letter to wherever they are in the world protecting our freedom,” he said. “Their sacrifices allow us to come together and enjoy this great Jamboree today.”
| Date Taken: | 07.27.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 07.29.2010 01:46 |
| Story ID: | 53591 |
| Location: | FORT A.P. HILL, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 157 |
| Downloads: | 106 |
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