Governor Mike Pence and First Lady Karen Pence, Indiana’s Bicentennial Ambassador, today joined the U.S. Postal Service to celebrate the issuance of the Indiana Statehood Forever Stamp at a first-day-of-issue stamp dedication ceremony at the Indiana Statehouse.
“In our state’s bicentennial year, it is altogether fitting that we memorialize the occasion with the issuance of the Indiana Statehood Forever Stamp, which so vividly captures the beauty of rural Indiana,” said Governor Pence. “Its image will tell of Indiana’s unique beauty as it’s sent to untold locations around the country and around the world. As the sun sets on Indiana’s first 200 years of history, we look forward to a new dawn that builds on the vision cast over our last two centuries.”
U.S. Postal Service Great Lakes Area Vice President Jacqueline Krage Strako, stamp photographer Michael Matti, historian Jim Madison, and Indiana Bicentennial Commission Co-Chair Becky Skillman and Executive Director Perry Hammock took part in the dedication ceremony in commemoration of the state’s bicentennial. Miss Indiana 2015 Morgan Jackson sang the national anthem and the Indianapolis Children’s Choir provided renditions of historic Indiana songs.
“It is so exciting to be able to unveil Indiana’s Bicentennial stamp,” said First Lady Karen Pence. “As Indiana’s Bicentennial Ambassador, I continue to be amazed by hard-working Hoosiers who share their time and talents that exemplify Indiana’s rich history and beauty.”
The Indiana Statehood Forever Stamp features a photograph of expansive cornfields on a dirt road off of Indiana 15 in Kosciusko County. The photographer, Michael Matti, grew up in Milford, Ind. and had driven past the view hundreds of times until he decided to pull over, stand on top of his car, and capture the sunset. Art director Derry Noyes of Washington, D.C. designed the stamp.
The Indiana Statehood Forever Stamp was made immediately available for purchase at the dedication ceremony and will be offered at post offices statewide on Wednesday. Its release coincides with Indiana’s 2016 Bicentennial celebration, which aims to honor Indiana’s 200 years of statehood in a way that engages all 6.5 million Hoosiers and leaves a lasting legacy for future generations.