newscontent=<font color="#FFFFFF" face="verdana,arial,helvetica"><fONT SIZE="10"><b>Philatelic News<br>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<br>April 4, 2002<br>Stamp Release #02-021
<font color="#00FF00"><U><a href="http://shop.usps.com/images/02_states34_f.jpg" target="_blank">'GREETINGS FROM AMERICA' POSTAGE STAMPS ISSUED AT EVENTS IN THE 50 STATE CAPITALS</a></U></Font><br>
Stamps Kick Off See America Sweepstakes at www.SeeAmerica.org<font color="#FFFFFF" face="verdana,arial,helvetica"><fONT SIZE="10"><b><br>
WASHINGTON - In an historic partnership between two key contributors to the nation's economy, the U.S. Postal Service and the travel industry today joined forces to generate pride in America and encourage domestic travel with the release of a set of new postage stamps and the launch of a national sweepstakes.

The 34-cent, self-adhesive Greetings from America stamps were issued at ceremonies held, for the first time, in every state on the same day. The stamps combine flora and fauna with local points of interest into collages that celebrate the unique character of each of the 50 states.

"These colorful, educational stamps will serve as a lasting reminder of the Postal Service's obligation-and privilege-of providing every American in every community with equal and universal access to a system of affordable, dependable mail service," said Cathy Caggiano, executive director of Stamp Services, who dedicated the stamps at a 51st official dedication ceremony held at the Postage Stamp Mega-Event show, which runs through April 7 at Show Pier 88, W. 50th St. at 12th Ave. in New York City.

The Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) is marking the release of the stamps by sponsoring the See America Sweepstakes to "Win Your American Dream Vacation." Fifty one-week vacations for two-one for each state-will be awarded to 50 lucky winners. It's free to enter at <font color="#00FF00"><U><a href="http://www.SeeAmerica.org." target="_blank">http://www.usps.com/common/exit_page.htm?url=http://www.SeeAmerica.org.</a></U></Font> The sweepstakes runs through June 30. SeeAmerica.org is a nonprofit Web portal to all U.S. travel industry organizations, with links to more than 2,200 travel sites.

"These stamps evoke visions of America's diversity and the countless things to see and do in this country," remarked William S. Norman, TIA president and CEO. "They remind us of the amazing experiences that invite us to see America."

The bright colors and creative designs of the Greetings from America stamps hint at the romance of travel and discovery and convey a nostalgia for all aspects of popular American culture. Text on the backing paper of the 50-stamp pane will list each state's bird, flower, tree and capital city, as well as the date it entered the Union.

Today's release of the stamps is the first issuance of a pane of 50 stamps in 10 years. The Wildflowers pane of 50 stamps issued in 1992 continues to hold its place as the second most popular commemorative stamps of all time, behind the Elvis stamp.

The Greetings from America stamps were illustrated by Lonnie Busch of Franklin, N.C., and Richard Sheaff of Scottsdale, Ariz., was the art director. Busch's art was inspired by the retro "large letter" postcards that were used in the 1930s and '40s to advertise cities, states or tourist attractions. Bearing the legend "Greetings from," these retro postcards featured depictions of local scenes inside big letters that spelled out the name of the place or attraction. Some cities are now reproducing large letter postcards.

In addition to a Greetings from America stamps uncut press sheet and first day cover, the Postal Service is also featuring the stamps and background information on a special American Commemorative Panel. The panel, which sells for $21.95, is available today exclusively at the New York Mega-Event stamp show. Part of the American Commemorative Collectibles program, this panel will be available at selected post offices in mid April and through the fall edition of the "USA Philatelic" mail order catalog.

To see the Greetings from America stamps, visit www.usps.com. The stamps, and all recently issued stamps and philatelic products, as well as the free USA Philatelic catalog, are available by calling toll free 1 800 STAMP-24. The stamps, and a selection of current U.S. stamps and gift items, are also available at the Postal Store at <font color="#00FF00"><U><a href="http://www.usps.com/shop" target="_blank">www.usps.com/shop.</a></U></Font> Official licensed Greetings from America products are available online at <font color="#00FF00"><U><a href="http://www.greetingsfromamerica.com" target="_blank">http://www.usps.com/common/exit_page.htm?url=http://www.greetingsfromamerica.com.</a></U></Font></B></F>

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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 $65 billion, it is the world's leading provider of postal 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.</B></FONT>
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e-mail </FONT><font color="#00FF00"><fONT SIZE="10"><b><U><a href="mailto:mark_raley@hotmail.com">mutmo didit!</font></B></U></a><!--'"</title></head>-->

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