Monday, June 29, 2026
Here’s how to get the special 1776 postmark
The cancellation will be available from USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
The Postal Service is making available a special 1776 Declaration of Independence pictorial postmark to celebrate 250 years since the nation’s founding and recognize more than 60 historical Post Offices.
The postmark uses similar imagery as the Declaration of Independence stamp — with the numerals “1776” rendered in the shape of quill pens but displayed horizontally rather than vertically — and is stamped only with the date July 4, 2026.
Employees and customers seeking the cancellation must mail their philatelic items, with the Declaration of Independence stamp applied, to USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services, indicating the name of which of the more than 60 Post Offices that were operating in 1776 and are still open today they would like applied to their mailpieces.
Requests must be postmarked no later than 30 days after July 4.
A July 4, 2026, postmark will be available in person for hand-back service only at the Declaration of Independence stamp first-day-of-issue ceremony at the B. Free Franklin Post Office in Philadelphia.
Participating locations are in Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Virginia.
The June 25 issue of Postal Bulletin has more information about the cancellation, and a complete list of Post Offices can be found in the organization’s June 11 news release.
Email us your feedback. Your comments could be included in our “Mail” column.
Heroes
He rescued people from a car crash
This employee saw a collision and responded quickly
Carrier Technician Richard Riggs was delivering mail in Pacifica, CA, recently when he witnessed a car accident.
The Postal Service employee called 911 and pulled people out of the smoking vehicles until the police and ambulance arrived.
“His prompt action saved lives,” said Postmaster Diana Liang.
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 June 21-27
A USA 250 website and USPS-licensed fashion made news
Last week, Link spotlighted a new USPS website that explores the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding.
The site, United States of America: 250th Anniversary, is part of usps.com and includes a list of present-day Post Offices that were operating in 1776 and are still open today, facts about the Postal Service’s place in U.S. history, anniversary items for sale and more.
We shared news about the organization’s new Freedom 250 postmark, which will be applied to mail processed on automated canceling machines through Aug. 31; and a new USPS-licensed fashion collection from The Laundry Room.
And the “Mailin’ It!” podcast reported on how postal inspectors thwarted a fraudster’s plot to steal Elvis Presley’s famed mansion, Graceland, in Memphis, TN.
On the philatelic front, Link reported on the new nonprofit Summer Sunset stamp and took a closer look at bird enthusiast David Allen Sibley, who illustrated the new Bald Eagle: Hatchling to Adult stamps.
We told readers about Gen Z’s embrace of mail subscription clubs and reminded employees about the ethics rules surrounding outside activities.
And we shared the story of Michael Chan, a New York City letter carrier who went viral when he was filmed unflappably doing his job in the middle of the raucous crowds honoring the champion New York Knicks basketball team on parade day.
“As long as everyone got their mail on time — that’s what matters. I came back and I enjoyed the parade on TV,” he said. “I am a big Knicks fan.”
Finally, “Heroes” told the story of Richard Riggs, a Pacifica, CA, carrier technician who witnessed a car accident while he was delivering mail. He called 911 and pulled people out of smoking vehicles until help arrived.
“His prompt action saved lives,” said Postmaster Diana Liang.
Email us your feedback. Your comments could be included in our “Mail” column.
July 4, 2026
Datebook
Declaration of Independence stamp ceremony
The Postal Service will dedicate its Declaration of Independence stamp on Saturday, July 4, in Philadelphia.
The event will be held at 10 a.m. Eastern at the B. Free Franklin Post Office at 316 Market St.
Attendees are encouraged to RSVP online.
View past printouts
Printout details
What's included
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Here’s how to get the special 1776 postmark
The cancellation will be available from USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
-
Heroes
He rescued people from a car crash
This employee saw a collision and responded quickly
-
Week in Review
Here’s what Link covered June 21-27
A USA 250 website and USPS-licensed fashion made news
-
July4Datebook
Declaration of Independence stamp ceremony