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By Chloe Mayer
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The U.S. Postal Service has unveiled two new designs for its "Forever stamps" series that are set to enter circulation soon.
On September 5, the agency announced a stamp commemorating the 250th anniversary of the First Continental Congress, the meeting that laid the foundations for American independence from British rule. The second design, which expresses gratitude to health care workers, is due to be released next month.
The stamps are the latest in the Postal Service's Forever series, which—as the name suggests—are stamps that can be used to mail a 1-ounce letter regardless of when they are bought or used, even if postal prices change in the future. Forever stamps are always sold at the same price as a regular First-Class Mail stamp.
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The design commemorating the 1774 Continental Congress reflects the American flag. On its left side is a thin red stripe decorated with 12 white stars, one for each colony that attended the meeting. A blue band, bordered by narrow white stripes, occupies the rest of the stamp. An excerpt from the petition sent to King George III appears in the center: "We ask but for Peace, Liberty and Safety."
Antonio Alcalá served as art director, designer and typographer.
Roman Martinez IV, the chair of the Postal Service's Board of Governors and the stamp's dedicating official, showed off the design at Carpenters' Hall in Philadelphia, where the historic meeting was held.
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He said: "So much of our nation's history is tied to this great city, and today, we mark another important chapter with the 250th anniversary of the First Continental Congress. Here, where the footholds of freedom were established, we dedicate this stamp with a spirit of gratitude for the freedoms that we still enjoy today."
On X, formerly Twitter, the American Philatelic Society, an organization for stamp collectors, posted an image of the new stamp.
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That artwork on the other new stamp consists of health-related icons—such as adhesive bandages and a stethoscope—spelling out the words "THANK YOU" above "Healthcare Community."
Bryan Duefrene was the art director and stamp designer. A news release publicizing the stamp's October launch said, "USPS will recognize the healthcare community, as these individuals dedicate their lives to protect our health, safety and well-being, often at great personal risk."
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Two other new designs of Forever stamps came into circulation this month. One celebrated the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, while the other commemorated Kwanzaa, a festival that celebrates African American culture.
A fact sheet published by the Postal Service said Forever stamps were created "for consumers' ease of use during price changes." They are sold in booklets of 10 or 20 stamps, and they can even be used on international mail. However, "since all international prices are higher than domestic prices, customers will need to attach additional postage."
Over the summer, the Postal Service announced price rises, sparking a backlash. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy insisted the move was necessary to save a "broken business model."
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