First Day Issue USPS Arizona Statehood Stamp Ceremony

The ceremony for the First Day Issue of the commemorative USPS Arizona Statehood Stamp was held on February 14, 2012 at the Arizona State Capitol from 10am to 10:30am. The ceremony included several distinguished individuals, including:

Postmaster Robert J. Hurley

Marine Corps Color Guard Company “C”

Kelly Casias sang the National Anthem

 Co- Chairman of AZ Centennial Commission Honorable Charles E. Jones

VP, Information Technology USPS John T. Edgar

Governor of State of Arizona Honorable Janice K. Brewer

Hundreds of people attended this beautiful ceremony, among them were a few Honored Guests which included Associate Justice (Retired) Supreme Court of the U.S. Sandra Day O’Connor, Secretary of State Ken Bennett, Acting District Manager (Arizona) USPS John DiPeri, Stamp Art Director Richard Sheaff and Stamp Artist Ed Mell.

The ceremony may have begun at 10am, however sales for the Stamps, special envelopes and First Day Issue cancellation stared at 9am. From 9am to 3pm all these items were available for purchase at the State Capitol and like one would guess, items were sold out well before 3pm!

Click here to learn more about the Arizona Statehood Stamp and to see photos from the unveiling.