Latest news with #AntonioAlcalá
Newsweek
21 hours ago
- General
- Newsweek
USPS Launches New US Flag Stamp
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United States Postal Service (USPS) has issued a new American flag stamp. The stamp features the Star Spangled Banner, with its 13 stripes and 50 stars, fluttering in a breeze against a white background. It was designed by Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, featuring photography by Doug Haight. A US flag. A US flag. Scott Boehm/Associated Press Donald Dombrow Jr., the Postal Service's Michigan 2 District manager, who spoke at an unveiling ceremony at Vickers Theater in Three Oaks, Michigan, said: "An enduring emblem of freedom, national unity and patriotic spirit, the flag of the United States has flown proudly stateside, abroad and even on the surface of the moon." This story will be updated.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
USPS unveils 250th anniversary stamps honoring military branches
The U.S. Postal Service is honoring three of the nation's military branches — the Army, Navy and Marine Corps — with commemorative stamps to mark 250 years of service. Each of the three stamps features the respective name of the military service, the service seal and the inscriptions '250 Years of Service,' 'Since 1775' and 'Forever/USA.' The stamps were unveiled during a ceremony today at Freedom Plaza in Washington. Antonio Alcalá, an art director for the USPS, designed the stamps. The three military-themed commemorations are in the 'Forever' class of postage and can be used to send a one-ounce first-class letter, regardless of the current price of first-class postage, according to the release. 'Service isn't about a uniform. It's about impact. It's about showing up. It's about standing up when it matters the most,' said Jeffery Adams, USPS spokesperson and an Army veteran. 'As we honor 250 years of military service ... we also recognize those who are serving right now all over the world and keeping our freedoms alive.' Postal Service unveils stamp honoring Japanese American WWII veterans Army Inspector General Lt. Gen. Gregory J. Brady said the USPS itself has its own value to troop morale. 'Today's important commemoration should not close without recognizing the huge morale booster that the Postal Service has been to our military,' he said. 'Generations of military personnel serving in foreign lands ... [have] always cherished those two words when [their] first sergeant is coming in with that big bag. Those two words are 'Mail call!' [It's] the high point of their months and years away from home. Mr. Postmaster General, Team USPS, thank you.' On the Navy side, Vice Adm. Michael Boyle, director of Navy staff, noted the special relationship between the Navy and the USPS. '[This] partnership ... has spanned nearly two and a half centuries,' Boyle said. 'You have well and faithfully delivered mail to ships on the far side of the world, always finding a way to keep people connected. No matter the distance. Letters and care packages from friends and family delivered to our deployed sailors at sea make an immense difference.' Providing a personal note, Lt. Gen. Paul Rock Jr. director of Marine Corps staff, shared how the USPS has played a role in his military service. 'I still have letters that my wife wrote me when I was a young first lieutenant overseas on my first shipboard deployment, and I cherish the pictures that came through the mail from my children the first time I went to war — precious memories made possible by the United States Postal Service,' Rock said. 'That connection remains strong to this day, and I thank the USPS for helping us share this great milestone with all Americans. These stamps will travel around the world and across our nation, carrying with them the message of patriotism, service and unwavering dedication.'
Newsweek
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
USPS Releases New Stamps For Major 2025 Anniversary
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United States Postal Service (USPS) officially released a new suite of commemorative stamps honoring the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. These stamps, first unveiled in March, were officially launched at a ceremony held in Washington, D.C. on Friday, and are designed recognize the founding of these military branches during the American Revolutionary War and celebrate their continued role in national defense. The stamps are now available for purchase nationwide both in post offices and online. Why It Matters The 250th anniversaries of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps are milestones in American history, marking a quarter-millennium since the Second Continental Congress established these foundational forces in 1775. The USPS, through these new stamps, is encouraging Americans to mark and reflect on the legacy and sacrifices of service members who have shaped the country's security and freedoms. The release is part of the USPS's longstanding tradition of using stamps to commemorate important national events, serving as both educational tools and collectible artifacts that spotlight America's history and heritage. What To Know Designed by USPS art director Antonio Alcalá, the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps stamps each feature their official emblems against a white background. They will be available in panes of 20. As Forever stamps, they will be valid for First-Class Mail at the current rate and will remain so regardless of future postage increases. Image provided of the new suite of commemorative stamps honoring the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps Image provided of the new suite of commemorative stamps honoring the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps USPS As the postal service marks its 250th year, other planned celebrations include assorted branded merchandise, a USPS-licensed coffee table book, and a special 250th anniversary edition of The United States Postal Service: An American History, which will be available both online and in print. What People Are Saying Jeffery Adams, USPS corporate communications vice president, said at the unveiling ceremony: "These stamps serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy and unwavering dedication of the women and men who have built and sustained the United States Army, Navy and Marine Corps for the past 250 years. As we commemorate this significant milestone, we honor their courage, their commitment and their vital role in safeguarding the freedoms we hold dear." Other Major Stamp Releases Announced for 2025 The newly issued stamps join a growing roster of 2025 releases that honor key events and figures in U.S. history as the postal service celebrates 250 years. These include: Battlefields of the American Revolution: This pane of 15 Forever stamps features artwork and photography commemorating the battles of Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill, Trenton, Saratoga, and Yorktown, marking the upcoming quarter-millennium of the American Revolution. Former First Lady Barbara Bush was honored with a commemorative stamp, unveiled earlier this month. She is the eighth first lady to be on a U.S. postage stamp, joining the likes of Martha Washington, Dolley Madison, Abigail Adams and Eleanor Roosevelt. A 32-page booklet titled Putting a Stamp on the American Experience features an exclusive Benjamin Franklin stamp, celebrating the creation of the U.S. postal system in 1775. Another stamp pane, 250 Years of Delivering, offers a tour through American postal history. How to Buy the 2025 Anniversary Stamps All 2025 commemorative designs, including the Armed Forces and battlefields stamps, are available for purchase online, by phone, mail, or at post office locations. Each stamp is issued in panes of 20 and, as Forever stamps, will remain valid for future First-Class mail rates. They are available through the online Postal Store, by phone (844-737-7826), by mail order, and at locations nationwide.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
250 years in the making: USPS stamps honor America's military branches
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has released a new series of stamps honoring the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps. The three individual 'Forever' stamp panes pay tribute to each branch, all of which have roots in the Revolutionary War. In 1775, following the start of the Revolutionary War, the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Army on June 14, the Continental Navy on Oct. 13 and the Continental Marines on Nov. 10. These foundational acts mark the origins of today's military branches. 'These stamps honor the enduring legacy and unwavering commitment of the men and women who have served and continue to serve,' the USPS said in its statement. 'Each branch plays a crucial role in safeguarding American interests, standing as symbols of strength and resilience, upholding core values such as loyalty, duty, honor and courage.' Each stamp pane was designed by USPS Art Director Antonio Alcalá. And they can be purchased for $14.60 through the Postal Store. MassLive journalist is a finalist for prestigious 2025 Livingston Award 1 person dead after fall from Purgatory Chasm in Sutton Petition from Worcester resident calls on city to do more to clean up park Mass. waterfront restaurant voted the best in the country Boston Greek restaurant included on Condé Nast Traveler's 2025 Hot List 12aa Read the original article on MassLive. Read the original article on MassLive.
Associated Press
14-03-2025
- General
- Associated Press
Vibrant Leaves Fall Onto Postcard Stamps
STRONGSVILLE, Ohio, March 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Postal Service celebrates the colorful sights of autumnal walks with the release of five new Vibrant Leaves postcard stamps. Each stamp showcases a single leaf from the aspen, sassafras, oak, maple and sweetgum trees. Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps using existing photographs. 'I am enchanted by the colors one finds in leaves, especially during the autumn season,' Alcala said. 'I wanted to present a gradation of colors but with a variety of leaf shapes and trees.' The aspen is often referred to as the 'quaking aspen' because of the characteristic rustling sound that comes from its flat leaf stalks, which cause its silver-dollar-sized leaves to flutter with the gentlest of breezes. Aspen leaves typically appear heart-shaped or nearly round and are known for their brilliant golden color in the fall. Sassafras leaves can have multiple lobes, sometimes giving them a mitten-like shape. The uniqueness of the sassafras tree's smell comes from its citrusy leaves and cinnamon-scented bark. In the fall, sassafras trees are known for their spectacular yellow, orange, crimson, burgundy and purple colors. The mighty oak is an essential part of a forest's ecosystem. Its acorns are important food sources for many types of wildlife, and its trunks and branches provide homes to hundreds of birds, insects and animals. In the fall, oak trees tend to produce leaves that are vivid red, burgundy or reddish brown. Maple trees are prized for their sweet sap, which is then boiled and made into maple syrup. While all maples produce sap, sugar and black maples have the highest concentration of sugar, so they are most often used in maple sugar production. Their warm yellows, crisp oranges and brilliant reds make maple trees key players in New England's brilliant autumn landscapes. Sweetgums, also known as redgums because of their reddish-colored bark, are named for the sweet-smelling resin they produce. Their magenta, orange and purple star-shaped leaves make them a standout in the realm of ornamental fall trees. The nondenominated Vibrant Leaves stamps are priced at the postcard rate and issued in panes of 20 or coils. The word 'POSTCARD' on the stamps indicates their usage value. News of the Vibrant Leaves stamps is being shared with the hashtag #VibrantLeavesStamps. Postal Products Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide. For officially licensed stamp products, shop the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon. Additional information on stamps, First Day of Issue Ceremonies and stamp inspired products can be found at Please Note: The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to 169 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is implementing a 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America, to modernize the postal network, restore long-term financial sustainability, dramatically improve service across all mail and shipping categories, and maintain the organization as one of America's most valued and trusted brands. The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.
