New Forever stamps celebrate Florida flora
Florida's extensive history and natural wildlife was recently honored by the U.S. Postal Service through the new release of a new set of colorful stamps. The USPS commemorated the state's 500th year anniversary of being named "Florida" during a dedication ceremony of the La Florida Forever stamps collection in St. Augustine, Florida. The stamp collection, along with postal mailing software and address verification, can bring a vibrant touch to any direct mail campaign.
The set of four 46-cent stamps were designed by artist Steve Buchanan and depict coordinating groups of native flowers of different sizes and colors for a tropical ambiance. The stamps feature hibiscus, cannas, morning glories and passion flowers, which are all indigenous to the state. When the four stamps are collected together, they interlock to form a single picture. Buchanan drew and painted the flowers digitally, and Ethel Kessler, art director at the USPS, utilized an illustration of explorers on the stamp pane to memorialize the first Spanish explorations in the state.
Designated as forever stamps, the collection will carry the full 1-ounce First Class mailing value despite the fluctuating postal rates.
The USPS had previously celebrated Florida with three other stamps: a 1965 stamp depicting Pedro Menendez de Aviles for the state settlement's 400th year anniversary, one in 1982 celebrated Juan Ponce de Leon and a 1995 stamp honored the 150th anniversary of statehood.
Large turnout for the dedication ceremony
Around 300 people attended the dedication ceremony to remember the state's Spanish heritage, with many Floridians speaking in Spanish throughout the day, according to The St. Augustine Record.
Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida believes the stamps bring Florida's unique culture and tropical color to the rest of America.
"Being a fifth-generation Floridian who has visited every part of the state and even seen it from space, I can tell you it's unmatched in its beauty and diverse heritage," Nelson said at the dedication ceremony. "It's fitting the [USPS] is creating a stamp to commemorate the 500 years of history since Ponce de Leon."
Businesses using address verification during their direct mail campaigns can incorporate floral elements to their mailings through the use of the collection. Postal mailing software and address validation can also assist the mail in getting to consumers without hassle, and companies looking to add a touch of color to brighten up the mailbox might consider utilizing the new Forever stamps.