The Land of Lincoln is now as close as your nearest Post Office.
USPS has released Illinois, its latest Statehood stamp. The organization’s leaders say they hope the stamp will inspire customers across the nation to learn more about the state, which is marking its bicentennial this year.
“We are thrilled to honor Illinois as a state that has been instrumental to American ingenuity and the American spirit,” said Jacqueline Krage Strako, the Postal Service’s acting chief customer and marketing officer, who led the March 6 stamp dedication ceremony in Springfield.
“The truth is: Illinois defies simple definition. It’s cosmopolitan and quaint, tough and nurturing — all at the same time. It’s a state with broad shoulders, a caring heart and Midwestern grit and values. Illinois is where the heartland calls home.”
Other speakers included Gov. Bruce Rauner, who addressed attendees via video; Deputy Gov. Leslie Munger; Springfield Mayor James Langfelder; and Randy Dunn, co-chair of the Illinois Bicentennial Commission.
The stamp shows an outline of the state, which is also known as the Land of the Lincoln and the Prairie State. Near the outline are yellow beams radiating upward, like rays from a rising sun.
Illinois is the 21st stamp in the Statehood series. Other recent entries include the Nebraska and Mississippi stamps that were released last year.
The Illinois Statehood stamp is available at Post Offices and usps.com. The Postal Service’s news release has more information.
