Monday, July 13, 2026
Here are the stamps that mark America’s 250th
USPS celebrates the nation with these releases
The Declaration of Independence stamp is the latest the Postal Service issued to honor the nation’s fight for freedom and 2 1/2 centuries of the American experience:
• American Bison. Issued in May, this stamp pays tribute to the national mammal while putting a contemporary spin on an old stamp.
• American Icons. The collection of 13 commemorative stamps was curated by designer Ralph Lauren, a name synonymous with American style, and was released in June.
• Armed Forces. Thesethree stamps were issued in 2025 and honor the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps. The Second Continental Congress established each of the branches in 1775 to coordinate the Colonies’ military efforts against Great Britain.
• Bald Eagle: From Hatchling to Adult. This set of stamps with lifelike illustrations of America’s national bird in five stages of life from eaglet to fully grown bird of prey was released in May.
• Battlefields of the American Revolution. Released in 2025, the 15-stamp set highlight five crucial Revolutionary War battles, from the early 1775 battles at Lexington and Concord and Bunker Hill in Massachusetts to the surrender of British forces at Yorktown, VA, in 1781.
• Figures of the American Revolution. This pane of stamps was issued in April and features the portraits of 25 individuals whose vision, leadership and sacrifices helped shape the fight for American independence.
• First Continental Congress. The body’s formation in 1774 was one of the first indications that a new government — and ultimately a new nation — was emerging. The 2024 stamp’s text features the gathering’s plea to King George III: “We ask but for Peace, Liberty and Safety.”
• Treasures of the Revolutionary Era. Dedicated in May at the Boston 2026 World Expo, this prestige booklet of 20 stamps features images from the American Revolution, including a teapot, continental currency and the Badge of Military Merit.
These stamps are available at usps.com and Post Offices nationwide.
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Heroes
A man walked in with a knife to his own throat
This retail associate kept him calm until police arrived
A man walked into the Triangle, VA, Post Office holding a knife against his throat, saying that he was going to kill himself.
The man asked Postmaster Alexia Poland to call the police, so she immediately dialed 911.
Retail Associate Frederick Gyamfi locked the main entrance and the lobby door to prevent customers from entering. Poland told the employees in the back to remain there.
Gyamfi attempted to comfort the man and offered him a bottle of water. He accepted and quickly drank half of it.
Poland then offered the man snacks and a chair.
The police soon arrived and took over the situation. The man cooperated with the police.
Employees featured in “Heroes” receive letters of commendation through the Postmaster General Heroes’ Program. The nomination form is available on Blue.
Week in Review
Here’s what Link covered July 5-11
Two new stamps and a fast-thinking retail clerk made news
The Postal Service contributed to America’s 250th anniversary festivities by dedicating its Declaration of Independence stamp in Philadelphia on July 4, as Link reported last week.
“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,” Lucy Trout, secretary to the USPS Board of Governors, said at the ceremony, which was held at the B. Free Franklin Post Office.
“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.”
Link also took a look at some of the more patriotically named Post Offices in the country.
In other philatelic news, the organization released a set of new Barbie stamps at a collectors convention in Texas, and the “Mailin’ It!” podcast explored how the postage stamp evolved from a simple delivery receipt into a reflection of American culture.
We reminded readers of federal anti-nepotism rules, how to keep mobile devices secure; the lessons to be learned from a recent dog attack and what to do in the event of a visit by an environmental regulator.
And in a cautionary tale, a mail handler in Florida was recently sentenced for workers’ compensation fraud after his activities and social media posts — on gym workouts, ocean swims and 100-mile bike rides — suggested that, whatever injuries he may have suffered in 2024, he had clearly recovered.
And the “People” column spotlighted Cynthia Henson, an acting supervisor in Lebanon, OH, who shared her positive first experience at a career conference.
Finally, “Heroes” told the story of Frederick Gyamfi, a retail associate in Triangle, VA, who helped calm a chaotic situation.
A man walked into the Post Office with a knife to his throat, threatening to kill himself. Gyamfi locked the main entrance to keep customers from entering and comforted the man until help arrived. The man cooperated with police.
Email us your feedback. Your comments could be included in our “Mail” column.