As the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding, the U.S. Postal Service officially introduced a new Forever stamp honoring the Declaration of Independence during a special ceremony today at the B. Free Franklin Post Office in Philadelphia.

The newly released stamp pays tribute to the historic document adopted on July 4, 1776, which proclaimed the American colonies’ independence from Great Britain and affirmed that governments derive “their just powers from the consent of the governed.”

“The declaration has served as a mission statement for our nation that has inspired generations of Americans to do their part in fulfilling its promises for all,” said Lucy Trout, secretary to the USPS Board of Governors.

“In the 250 years since ratification of that mission statement, the American people have been engaged in a perpetual and honorable battle to make good on that promise.”

Among those attending the unveiling were members of the National Society of the Children of the American Revolution, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and representatives of Independence National Historical Park.

Philadelphia was selected as the site for the ceremony because it was the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and is closely connected to Benjamin Franklin, who became the first postmaster general of the United Colonies in 1775.

Postal Service officials said the new release is one of several initiatives commemorating America’s Semiquincentennial, the nationwide observance marking 250 years since the nation’s founding.

This is not the first time the Postal Service has honored the Declaration of Independence through postage. Similar commemorative stamps have been issued over the years, including one released during the country’s bicentennial celebration in 1976.

The Postal Service noted that beyond announcing the colonies’ separation from Britain through its 27 listed grievances against the British crown, the Declaration also established timeless principles declaring that “all people are created equal” and are endowed with the unalienable rights to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

According to the agency, those ideals have continued to influence generations of Americans while also inspiring freedom movements and democratic societies across the globe.

The stamp itself features a striking red, white, and blue design. Running vertically across the artwork is the year “1776,” with each number fashioned as a feather quill pen in recognition of the writing instruments used by the Declaration’s 56 signers.

The artwork was designed by Juan Carlos Pagan, while Greg Breeding served as the art director for the project.

The Declaration of Independence Forever stamp is being sold in panes of 20 and will remain valid for mailing a one-ounce First-Class letter regardless of future increases in postage rates.

{Matzav.com}