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First class stamp featuring AS flag unveiled
A new first class stamp featuring the flag of American Samoa was released on Saturday, June 14 at the Executive Office Building in Utulei by Governor Togiola Tulafono and Postmaster Smitty McMoore.
(This is the same day that marked the United States Flag Day).
The ceremony was attended by postal workers, cabinet members, Lt. Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia, and Chief Justice Michael Kruse and his wife Gail.
The new stamp is part of the new series of stamps by the US Postal Service to honor the flags of all 50 states, the five territories, and the District of Columbia.
During the unveiling, Governor Togiola said that it is important for everyone to remember all the people who have shed their blood and lost their lives in defending the United States and its flag, adding that we are reaping the benefits of such sacrifices, through the many freedoms that we enjoy today.
Togiola described the unveiling as a “historic” day in the territory.
American Samoa is fortunate to have its stamp released early, along with Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, and Delaware.
Postmaster Smitty McMoore explained that the new stamp should be used with pride by our people, as the stamp will be posted on outgoing mail destined for places all over the world.
He called the unveiling a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence, before presenting the Governor with a complimentary roll of stamps, (which the Governor passed on to Lt. Governor Ipulasi), and an enlarged photo of the new stamp which Togiola in turn presented to the Chief Justice.
The stamps were created by Tom Engeman of Brunswick, MD, and features highly detailed flag portraits, state seals, and coat of arms. In addition, each stamp design includes artwork that provides a snapshot view of the state or area represented by each particular flag.
American Samoa’s stamp features a blue flag with a red-edged white triangle where an American bald eagle is pictured clutching the traditional Samoan symbols of a war club and a staff.
American Samoa was last honored with a stamp in 2000, the year that marked a century since she became a territory of the United States.
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