Monday, September 9, 2024
USPS dedicates its First Continental Congress stamp
Among the ceremony participants: Benjamin Franklin
The Postal Service dedicated its First Continental Congress, 1774, stamp in Philadelphia on Sept. 5, marking the 250th anniversary of a turning point in the movement for American independence.
The congress was formed to determine how to safeguard the Colonies’ rights under British rule. Fifty-six delegates from 12 Colonies participated in the congress, laying the groundwork for what would become democracy as we know it.
“Here, where the footholds of democracy were established, we dedicate this stamp with a spirit of gratitude for the freedoms that we enjoy today,” said Roman Martinez IV, USPS Board of Governors chairman, who spoke at the ceremony.
The event was held at Carpenters’ Hall, the historic meeting place that hosted the First Continental Congress.
Other speakers were Michael Norris, executive director of Carpenters’ Hall; Alyssa Constad, the hall’s assistant director; and Michael Elston, USPS Board of Governors secretary and secretary-general of the Sons of the American Revolution.
Other participants included J. Ward Larkin, a historical actor who portrayed Benjamin Franklin. Franklin was not a delegate to the First Continental Congress, although two future presidents — George Washington and John Adams — were.
The stamp art, evocative of the American flag, is dominated by a vertical blue band bordered on either side by white stripes. Text at the top of the band reads: “12 COLONIES UNITE IN PROTEST.”
The center features the congress’s plea to King George III: “We ask but for Peace, Liberty and Safety.”
The title of the stamp — “FIRST CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, 1774” — appears at the bottom. A red stripe with 12 white stars representing the number of Colonies that participated in the Congress delineates the left side.
Antonio Alcalá served as art director, designer and typographer for the stamp, which is available in panes of 20 at Post Offices and usps.com.
In her remarks during the ceremony, Constad noted Carpenters’ Hall is also marking its 250th anniversary, while the Carpenters’ Company — the guild that built the hall — is turning 300.
“It is a great honor [to commemorate these milestones] with another historic and honored institution — the United States Postal Service,” she said.
Heroes
Crisis intervention
This carrier rendered aid to a customer in need
Letter Carrier Jerry Loney was delivering mail recently in Topeka, KS, when he was approached by an injured customer.
The young man’s hands and wrists were covered in blood.
Loney called 911 and applied a tourniquet to both of the customer’s wrists to stop the bleeding.
While waiting for paramedics to arrive, the man told Loney that his wounds were self-inflicted.
The man has since recovered.
“He’s one of my customers,” Loney said. “I deliver mail to him. He knows me and why wouldn’t I stop?”
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 Sept. 1-7
A stamp ceremony, new videos and a ninja warrior made news
The dedication ceremony for the First Continental Congress, 1774, stamp topped Link’s coverage last week.
The stamp honors the 250th anniversary of a milestone on the path to the American Revolution.
“Here, where the footholds of democracy were established, we dedicate this stamp with a spirit of gratitude for the freedoms that we enjoy today,” said Roman Martinez IV, the USPS Board of Governors chairman, who spoke at the Philadelphia event.
Link also reported plans for temporary price changes for the holiday season and the release of a Delivering for America video message on the Postal Service’s environmental sustainability efforts, as well as videos on the new Pinback Buttons and Autumn Colors stamps, and the reopening of enrollment for the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program.
Other stories highlighted the beginning of the latest Combined Federal Campaign, as well as the start of National Preparedness Month and National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.
Additionally, we told you about Gerald Loney, a Topeka, KS, letter carrier who rendered aid to a customer in need, and Ahmed Amin, an Orlando, FL, distribution operations supervisor who recently competed on NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior.”
Amin lost 40 pounds to get in shape for the show.
“What’s good about ‘Ninja’ is it helps you overcome life’s obstacles,” he said.
September 16, 2024
Datebook
‘Musculoskeletal Health’
Postal Service employees may participate in an upcoming webinar on caring for bones, muscles and joints.
The session, “Stronger, Healthier, Happier: Musculoskeletal Health,” will be held Monday, Sept. 16, from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern.
Representatives from GEHA, a provider of health plans for federal employees, will lead the discussion.
Participants must register before the event on the webinar website.
Participation is voluntary. Nonexempt employees must be off the clock or on authorized breaks.
Employees with questions can email the USPS Benefits and Wellness team.
September 15, 2024
Datebook
Virtual job fair
The Postal Service will offer a virtual job fair for supervisory positions on Sunday, Sept. 15.
Participants will hear from operational leaders and receive an overview of the knowledge and skills needed to be a competitive applicant.
Individual sessions will provide attendees with information on how to apply for vacancies in eCareer, respond and demonstrate qualifications of the position, prepare for the interview, network effectively and take charge of their personal development.
Sign language interpreters and closed captioning will be available, and after the fair, participants will be able to access a recording of it and the slides shown.
The fair starts at 1 p.m. Eastern and is open to both career and noncareer employees.
To participate, employees must complete an online registration form on MyHR, part of LiteBlue.
All participants must be current Postal Service employees and attend while off the clock. Participation is voluntary.
September 14, 2024
Datebook
Holiday Joy, Madonna and Child stamp ceremony
The Postal Service will dedicate its Holiday Joy and Christmas Madonna and Child stamps on Saturday, Sept. 14, in Washington, DC.
The ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. Eastern at the National Postal Museum, part of the Smithsonian Institution.
The speakers will include Sheila Holman, the Postal Service’s marketing vice president, and Maril Guilfoil, the supply management vice president.
Attendees are encouraged to RSVP online.
Website adds election webinar
The Postal Service’s Election Mail website has added a recording of the organization’s recent webinar on this year’s election preparations.
The webinar, held Aug. 29, focused on how USPS will draw from its successes during the 2020 and 2022 elections to ensure the smooth handling of Election Mail, including ballots.
The organization is encouraging those who vote by mail to plan ahead and mail early enough to return ballots by their state’s deadline.
The Election Mail website, part of usps.com, also features guidance for voters, FAQs and an Election Mail kit for election officials.
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What's included
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USPS dedicates its First Continental Congress stamp
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Heroes
Crisis intervention
This carrier rendered aid to a customer in need
-
Week in Review
Here’s what Link covered Sept. 1-7
A stamp ceremony, new videos and a ninja warrior made news
-
September16Datebook
‘Musculoskeletal Health’
-
September15Datebook
Virtual job fair
-
September14Datebook
Holiday Joy, Madonna and Child stamp ceremony
-
Brief
Website adds election webinar