In a tribute to the foundational moments leading up to the American Revolution, the U.S. Postal Service will unveil a new Forever stamp on September 5, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the First Continental Congress. The event, which marks a pivotal point in American history, will be commemorated at Carpenters’ Hall in Philadelphia, the very location where the congress convened in 1774.
The First Continental Congress, 1774, stamp captures the essence of the early American quest for self-governance. The stamp features artistic elements reminiscent of the U.S. flag with a design that includes a vertical blue band, bordered by white stripes, and a red stripe adorned with 12 white stars representing the colonies that participated in the congress. At the center, the stamp highlights the congress’s appeal to King George III with the words: “We ask but for Peace, Liberty and Safety.”
This new issue, designed by Antonio Alcalá, will be available in panes of 20 and will hold its value equivalent to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce price indefinitely.
The first-day-of-issue event is open to the public and will take place at 11 a.m. ET on Thursday, September 5, at the historical Carpenters’ Hall. Attendees are encouraged to register online at usps.com/firstcontinentalcongress. The Postal Service is also promoting the launch with the hashtag #FirstContinentalCongressStamp.
The release of this stamp is a significant nod to the Congress that arguably set the stage for the formation of a new nation. “The 56 delegates from 12 Colonies joined together to advocate for equality, eventually earning our nation’s independence,” the Postal Service noted, emphasizing the congress’s role in laying the groundwork for what would evolve into the democratic principles of the United States.
This stamp serves not only as a postal necessity but also as an educational tool, reminding us of the early collaborative efforts that shaped the path toward independence and democracy.
