Two U.S. issues were launched in a pair of ceremonies hosted at the Virtual Stamp Show this August.
A five-stamp “Innovation” set was dedicated on Aug. 20 by members of the American First Day Cover Society (AFDCS), which co-hosted the weeklong event – held Aug. 17-21 – with the American Topical Association (ATA) and American Philatelic Society (APS).
“What could be more ‘innovative’ than a virtual stamp show?” said AFDCS President Lloyd de Vries. “But stamp collecting has always been innovative, changing with the times to adjust to the challenges—wars, national independence, technology and, yes, pandemics.”
The ceremony included a video about U.S. innovation produced by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and Iowa State University, whose President Dr. Wendy Wintersteen spoke about the role colleges and universities play in developing new technologies. Other speakers included Steven Montieth, USPS vice-president of marketing, who highlighted the postal service’s history of innovation, and ATA member Bill DeWitt, who spoke about innovations in rail transport.
The Virtual Stamp Show was co-hosted by the American Philatelic Society, American First Day Cover Society and American Topical Association, the latter of which unveiled the four ‘Thank You’ stamps.
‘THANK YOU’
Four “Thank You” stamps were also dedicated during an Aug. 21 ceremony hosted by the ATA, whose Second Vice-President Tom Broadhead spoke about his gratitude for philately during the pandemic.
“This ceremony provides a wonderful opportunity for us all to pause to be thankful for human kindness,” said ATA President Dawn Hamman. “Members of the American Topical Association are delighted to participate in introducing these beautiful stamps and the message they convey.”
OTHER SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
The Virtual Stamp Show drew 3,205 registered attendees, 112 exhibits and 89 events.
To watch the show’s opening remarks on YouTube, click here.
To watch the APS Awards Premiere, also hosted in conjunction with the virtual show, click here.
Five “APS Talks” sessions were also hosted on membership, editorial, “connecting and community,” education and expertizing.