Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden applauded the U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) announcement that it will begin issuing a Forever stamp celebrating the 200th anniversary of Maine statehood next month.  Last year, on Maine’s 199th birthday, the Maine Delegation wrote to USPS to express their strong support for creating a commemorative postal stamp honoring Maine’s bicentennial.

The new stamp features the painting “Sea at Ogunquit” (1914) by American artist Edward Hopper (1882-1967), which is currently held by the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City.  USPS’ art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp.  A First Day of Issue Dedication Ceremony to unveil a large reproduction of the new stamp will take place on Sunday, March 15th, at 1:00 PM at the Augusta Armory as part of the Maine Statehood Day Ceremony activities.

“Since joining the Union as the 23rd state in 1820, Maine has made enormous contributions to our nation,” said Senators Collins and King and Representatives Pingree and Golden.  “The people of Maine are hard-working and kind, and they exemplify community spirit at its best.  With one of the highest percentages of veterans in the U.S., Mainers have also demonstrated their strong commitment to serve others above themselves.  We strongly supported the creation of this commemorative stamp honoring Maine’s rich heritage, and we appreciate USPS’ efforts to celebrate our state’s bicentennial.  We look forward to seeing this new stamp in circulation!”

USPS last issued a stamp honoring Maine’s statehood anniversary in 1970.  Maine’s sesquicentennial postal stamp pictured The Lighthouse at Two Lights, Maine, also by Edward Hopper.  The original painting hangs in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.