FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Media Relations
April 3, 2003 202-268-2155
Stamp Release No. 015
www.usps.com

OLD GLORY PRESTIGE BOOKLET ISSUED
AT NEW YORK STAMP SHOW

NEW YORK –The Stars and Stripes received a
special stamp of approval today when five new
commemorative postage stamps featuring photographs of
patriotic symbolism inspired by the colors and design of the
U.S. flag were issued by the U.S. Postal Service.

The Old Glory prestige booklet, which contains 20
stamps featuring the five Old Glory designs, was dedicated
at a first day of issue ceremony held in conjunction with the
Postage Stamp Mega-Event sponsored by the American
Philatelic Society (APS), American Stamp Dealers Association, Inc. (ASDA), and the Postal
Service. The show runs through April 6.

The Old Glory prestige booklet is available at the Mega-Event in New York, Philatelic
Centers, and Postal Stores nationwide and by toll-free telephone order at 1-800 Stamp-24.
“Nothing reflects the pride and emotion we have as American’s like the U.S. flag,” said
David E. Failor, executive director of Stamp Services for the U.S. Postal Service, who was the
dedicating official.

“This souvenir booklet takes a wonderful look at how we use the Stars and Stripes to tell
our country’s story. Old Glory takes many forms–from official versions we so proudly wave, to
countless derivative designs. In the end they all say the same thing–allegiance to the republic for
which it stands. It is our pleasure to highlight the beloved symbol with a philatelic souvenir booklet,”
Failor said.

“This assignment was just plain fun. I am cursed with being one of those people who
collects anything and everything. Creating this booklet was a wonderful opportunity to work and
play at the same time,” said Richard D. Sheaff, stamp designer and writer of the Old Glory
prestige booklet.

Third graders from P.S. 1 Alfred E. Smith School rendered several stirring patriotic vocal
selections to the standing–room– only crowd.

Also participating in the ceremony were Lloyd A. de Vries, secretary, APS; Jackson W.
Taylor, president, ASDA; Whitney Smith, PhD., director, The Flag Research Center; Vinnie
Malloy, Postal Service District Manager-Postmaster, New York District; John K. Harget, manager,
Post Office Operations, New York District.

The Old Glory stamps highlight examples of America’s heritage, including a 19th-century
hand-painted carving of a woman proudly holding aloft a sword and flag; an 1888 presidential
campaign badge with a photograph of Benjamin Harrison; the top portion of a silk bookmark that
was woven at the World’s Columbia Exposition in 1893; an example of 20th-century folk art
featuring Uncle Sam riding a high-wheel bicycle; and a modern folding fan with a flag design.
Featuring 20 stamps in five designs, this is the second prestige booklet issued by the Postal
Service. The first honored, was U.S. Navy Submarines, which was issued in 2000.

A prestige booklet is a stamp booklet with oversized panes, descriptive information and
images commemorating a special topic. The idea for these booklets originated in Great Britain in
1969. The added information places into context and complements the subjects featured in the
actual prestige booklet.

The stamps were designed by Richard Sheaff of Scottsdale, Ariz. Sheaff is a design
consultant to the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee and has been responsible for the design or
art direction of more than 200 released U.S. postage stamps.

To see the Old Glory stamps, visit the Postal Service Web site at
www.usps.com/communications/news/stamps/welcome.htm, and open the press release
announcing these stamps.

Current U.S. stamps, as well as a free comprehensive catalog, are available toll free by
calling 1 800 STAMP-24. In addition, a selection of stamps and other philatelic items are available
at the Postal Store at www.usps.com/shop.

Since 1775, the U.S. Postal Service has connected friends, families, neighbors and businesses by mail.
It is an independent federal agency that visits 137 million homes and businesses every day and is the
only service provider to deliver to every address in the nation. The Postal Service receives no taxpayer
dollars for routine operations, but derives its operating revenues solely from the sale of postage,
products and services. With annual revenues of more than $66 billion, it is the world’s leading provider of
mail and delivery services, offering some of the most affordable postage rates in the world. The Postal
Service delivers more than 46 percent of the world’s mail volume—some 207 billion letters,
advertisements, periodicals and packages a year—and serves 7 million customers each day at its
40,000 retail locations nationwide.

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