2018 U.S. Flag Forever Stamps

FT. LAUDERDALE — The U.S. Postal Service issued the crisp new U.S. Flag Forever stamp today at the American Stamp Dealers Association Winter Postage Stamp Show in Ft. Lauderdale.

“Since 1957, the Postal Service has produced colorful stamps that celebrate the American flag in all of its beautiful red, white and blue glory,” said U.S. Postal Service District Manager Timothy Costello in dedicating the stamp. “Through this stamp, the Postal Service reminds us all of the importance of showing our patriotism and pride all year round.”

American Stamp Dealers Association Executive Director Dana Guyer served as master of ceremonies.

For more than half a century, U.S. stamps have depicted the American flag in vivid red, white and blue. This eye-catching new issuance continues that tradition with a striking graphic design of a flag.

The stamps are available in booklets of 20 and coils of 100.

The digital illustration by Kit Hinrichs of San Francisco shows a flag with crisp folds and a contemporary look, with a shadow on the small, visible portion of the back to suggest a sense of depth.

Although the American flag had appeared on U.S. stamps as far back as 1869, usually as a small element in a larger vignette, it was only in 1957 that the U.S. Post Office Department developed a quick and economical way to produce bicolor or multicolor stamps that could depict the flag in red, white and blue, thanks to a special press acquired from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. In the decades since, multicolored flags have become a consistent motif on U.S. postage. Whether paired with famous landmarks, shown against inspiring vistas, placed in their historical context, or used as a graphic element in a larger design, the flags on U.S. stamps connect us to our nation’s history and serve as icons of patriotism for generations to come.

Ethel Kessler of Bethesda, MD, served as art director for this stamp, which will be issued as a Forever stamp. This Forever stamp will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

Value: 1-ounce first-class letter rate- Forever

Issued:  February 9, 2018

First Day City:  Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Type of Stamp:  Definitive

Printed by:  Banknote Corporation of America

Method:  Offset 

Format:  Booklet of 20

Self-Adhesive

Quantity Printed:  1,250,000,000 stamps

The Battle of Fort Sumter was a 34-hour stand-off that marked the opening of the Civil War.  The flag that flew over the fort during that battle would go on to inspire thousands of Americans as they fought their way through the long war.

During the April 1861 battle, the flag’s pole was shot down and a lone soldier braved heavy enemy fire to raise it again.  After the battle ended, the fort’s commander insisted the flag be lowered to a 100-gun salute.  During the ceremony, the guns accidentally set off a pile of rifle cartridges, killing two men and injuring five others.  The first casualties of the war were suffered while paying honor to the flag.

That battle-worn flag was taken to New York City for a Union rally attended by over 100,000 people.  The Fort Sumter flag then went on a multi-city tour through the North.  In each town, it was auctioned off to raise money for the war effort.  Whoever won the flag then donated it back to be auctioned in the next city.  The flag served as an important patriotic symbol and rallying point throughout the war.  It was returned to Fort Sumter exactly four years after the surrender as part of the celebrations of the Union’s victory.  

It was there at the start and it was there at the end – the Fort Sumter flag was a beacon of hope in battle and at home, helping the Union persevere. 

Microprint “USPS” appears in left 5^th white stripe