The following press release comes to us from APS Chapter General Francis Marion Stamp Club of Ocala, Florida.
The General Francis Marion Stamp Club, Ocala, is offering a special First Day of Issue Cover to commemorate the release of the brand new “Save the Manatees” postage stamp. The 68 cent First Class Forever Mail Stamp goes on sale on Wednesday, March 27 and will be highlighted by a special ceremony to be held (9 AM) at Silver Springs State Park (5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd).
The stamp’s design intends to “spread awareness for the need to protect a beloved marine mammal. Illustrated by artist, Nancy Wright, the stamp shows a gray-green West Indian manatee “placidly lolling underwater near the surface.” The last time the USPS issued a postage stamp featuring a manatee was in 1996, when it cost 32 cents.
The Silver Springs Post Office has been designated the official first day city by the USPS; the name will appear in a special cancellation for the day.
The Stamp Club’s commemorative cover has been designed by Ocala artist/watercolorist, Sue Primeau. The “Save the Manatees” theme was a perfect fit for the passion she demonstrates in her work about the world in which we live and the beauty that surrounds our everyday life. The new postage stamp has provided Sue with her first opportunity to join forces with the Stamp Club.
Covers will be available for purchase ($6 each) at the State Park ceremony on March 27. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Save the Manatee Club of Longwood, FL. This award-winning national nonprofit 501(c)(3) and membership-based organization was established in 1981 by the late renowned singer-songwriter, author, and entrepreneur Jimmy Buffett, and former U.S. Senator Bob Graham when he was governor of Florida. Save the Manatee Club’s mission is to protect manatees and their aquatic habitat for future generations.
Stamp club President, Art McNeal will join Silver Springs Postmaster, Michelle Krysiak and Patrick Rose, Executive Director of Save the Manatee Club in the unveiling of the “Save the Manatees” stamp.
Upon arrival at the park, attendees should let officials know that they are there for the stamp ceremony. Admission will be complementary, as well as free glass bottom boat rides.
The General Francis Marion Stamp club meets on the first and third Wednesdays of the month, 12:30 pm at the Marion County Sheriff’s Sub Station, 9048 SW State Road 200. For more information, call the club secretary, Elliot Natale, 352-304-5103.
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