In celebration of World Elephant Day last Friday, August 12, The Elephant Sanctuary had the honor of hosting The U.S. Postal Service as well as our special guest speakers, community members, and supporters from across the country, for the First Day of Issue Dedication Ceremony, unveiling the newest Forever Stamp titled Elephants. These dedication ceremonies are a way for The United States Postal Service to commemorate a subject that has widespread national appeal and a significant impact or influence on the society, history, culture or environment of the American experience.
The U.S. Postal Service released the new Forever Stamp in dedication of elephants, providing an opportunity to highlight the importance of elephants and help to spread awareness of the challenges they face both in captivity and in the wild.
Among the guest speakers were Jeffery Adams, USPS Corporate Communications Vice President; Vicki Yates, News Channel 5, Nashville Anchor; Todd Montgomery, Senior Manager of External Relations of The Elephant Sanctuary; Richard Rhoda, Board Chair of The Elephant Sanctuary; Katie Ohh, Musical Artist and National Anthem Singer; Breanne Black, Coordinator of Community Outreach and Engagement for Working Dogs for Conservation; and Crystal Nash, Director of the Lewis County Public Library and Archives.
Dan Ashe, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, was able to join us via video with his remarks on this special occasion; “Places like The Tennessee Elephant Sanctuary and organizations like AZA are showing what’s possible in caring for elephants, leading by example in both accredited zoos and sanctuaries and in wild settings. And now, the United States Postal Service is leading with this powerful example. This Elephants Stamp will amplify the important work of engaging and inspiring people to act.”
The event was one of the largest held at The Elephant Discovery Center in downtown Hohenwald, Tennessee, welcoming over 250 guests. Philatelists (also known as stamp collectors) from all over the country were on hand to be the first to purchase and “cancel” the new Elephants stamp, making it a special collector’s item. After the ceremony, attendees had the opportunity to explore The Elephant Discovery Center, participate in family-friendly activities, purchase stamps and other philatelic products, and collect autographs from the program speakers.
“We want to thank The U.S. Postal Service and everyone who participated, from at home or in person, for making this event such a success and for your help in providing recognition to elephants around the globe. Throughout the day, there were many rave reviews from supporters, special guests, and local community members. The Sanctuary has much to celebrate!” Said Janice Zeitlin, CEO of The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee.
To learn more and view the stamp reveal video courtesy of the U.S. Postal Service, you may visit www.facebook.com/USPS
Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide.
Lead image courtesy of USPS