Honoring Our Military Academies

The U.S. Postal Service has a tradition of honoring the nation’s military academies.  The Naval Academy, for example, was honored in 1937 (have you added the stamp to your collection?) and again in 1995 with this beautiful stamp:

In 2002, USPS issued this stamp to recognize the bicentennial of the United States Military Academy:

Thomas Jefferson signed legislation establishing a military academy at West Point, New York, in 1802. It was located at the site of a critical defensive position during the Revolutionary War. Holding West Point prevented the British from gaining control of the vital Hudson River Valley and dividing the colonies in two. Because of the importance of this location, George Washington declared West Point to be the key to the continent. The academy at West Point also featured on another stamp issued in 1937.

In 2004, USPS issued this stamp to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the United States Air Force Academy, whose mission is “to inspire and develop outstanding young men and women to become Air Force officers with knowledge, character, and discipline; motivated to lead the world’s greatest aerospace force in service to this nation.” A contemporary photograph of the Cadet Chapel appears on the stamp:

Join us all month as we recognize more of the contributions made by our nation’s military as part of National Military Appreciation Month. What subjects would you like to see highlighted? Let us know in the comments.

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About USPS Stamps

The Postal Service™ is proud of its role in portraying the American experience to a world audience through the issuance of postage stamps and postal stationery. Each year the Postal Service issues commemorative stamps reflecting subjects of national significance and appeal. More than 160 years of stamp development has yielded an incredible archive of imagery and commentary reflecting American culture and society. Even in this fast-changing world, stamps are still a versatile and convenient method of postage. And stamp collecting is a lifetime hobby that is fun and educational for all ages. Stamp collecting is easy to start without a big investment. It is also a great way to learn about the world and its many wonders, opening the door to an exciting universe of history, science, geography, the arts, technology, and sports. Our mission is to provide universal service that is prompt, reliable, efficient, affordable, and self-sustaining. Throughout its history the Postal Service has grown with the nation, binding it together by ensuring that everyone, everywhere, has the same ability to communicate regardless of technological change.