The Postal Service dedicated its Declaration of Independence stamp at the B. Free Franklin Post Office, part of Independence National Historical Park, in Philadelphia on July 4.
Adopted on July 4, 1776, the declaration announced the Colonies’ break from Great Britain with the bold assertion that government is a social contract based on the consent of the people it governs.
“The declaration has served as a mission statement for our nation that has inspired generations of Americans to do their part in fulfilling its promises for all,” said Lucy Trout, secretary to the USPS Board of Governors. “In the 250 years since ratification of that mission statement, the American people have been engaged in a perpetual and honorable battle to make good on that promise.”
Joining Trout for the ceremony were Will Elston, president of the National Society of the Children of the American Revolution; Susan Gillette Meer, Pennsylvania state regent for the Daughters of the American Revolution; and Lauren Gurniewicz, chief of interpretation and partnerships at Independence National Historical Park.
The stamp features the year “1776” arranged vertically against a deep blue background. Each numeral takes the shape of a feather quill pen, a nod to the instruments used to sign the original document.
Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp using the work of typographer Juan Carlos Pagan.
The Forever stamp is available in sheets of 20 at Post Offices and at usps.com.
Email us your feedback. Your comments could be included in our “Mail” column.
