$1.00 Wisdom Stamp

by

Mark Gereb

On February 28, 2003 the $1.00 Wisdom Stamp was issued in connection with the APS stamp show.

Autographed insert card for Wisdom issue

Program cover with extra cancel

Presiding over the ceremony was Earl Artis Jr., Manager of Public Affairs and Communications for the Southeast Area of the USPS. Following the Presentation of colors by the Gulfport High School ROTC, the National Anthem was preformed by Eugene Eash.

Guests were then welcomed by Mike Bertucci, the Postmaster of Biloxi Mississippi. He encouraged everyone to enjoy the local food and to spend money on stamps and not at the casinos.

American Philatelic Society President Peter McCann then thanked all participants and commented on the warm local weather as opposed to the cold temperatures in Maryland.

The next speaker was James Daily, the District Manager for the Mississippi District of the USPS. He is a 38 year postal employee and he stated after having dedicated 20 stamps, this is the first high value issue he has been involved with. He was very pleased with its expected revenue. He also stated the first post office in Mississippi was established on November 29, 1799 and also spoke of one of Mississippi's famous Postmasters, William Faulkner. He was on a stamp in 1987.

David Failor, the Director of Stamp Services for the USPS then dedicated the stamp with all ceremony participants.

Following official photographs, all participants remained for autographs.

Stamp unveiling

Program signing