These 2014 USPS Forever stamps commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Star-Spangled Banner. The stamp’s image is from a photo of the flag that flies over Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. It was taken during a fireworks display at the annual Defenders’ Day celebration.
During the War of 1812, Mary Pickersgill was commissioned to sew a flag “so large that the British will have no difficulty seeing it from a distance.” The flag was to fly over Baltimore’s Fort McHenry, which the British hoped to capture.
Pickersgill was asked to make “one American ensign, 30×42 feet, first quality bunting.” A smaller flag of lighter materials was also ordered for use during bad weather. Over 400 yards of wool bunting was needed to construct the larger flag, which weighed about 50 pounds. Because of its size, the work was done on the floor of a nearby brewery after the business had closed for the day.
The British began bombarding Fort McHenry on September 13, 1814. Francis Scott Key witnessed the 25-hour assault from a ship in Chesapeake Bay. Because it was raining heavily, Key likely saw the smaller flag at “twilight’s last gleaming.” But as morning neared, the oversized flag was defiantly hoisted above Fort McHenry. The sight inspired Key to write lyrics about the “star-spangled banner.”
If not for fate, the Battle of Fort McHenry would have had a more explosive ending. Only the fort’s commander knew that its gunpowder magazine, over which some 2,000 shells fell, was not bombproof. A direct hit would have destroyed the fort instantly.
Gary Clark was the photographer for the stamp’s image. He said it was difficult to get the fireworks and the flag simultaneously because it was windy the night he took the photo at the Defenders’ Day celebration.
How many stamps are in a roll?
At marconisp.com, you can shop roll of stamps with American Flag designs. Here are 100 pieces for each roll of American Flag stamps. This is the standard number for a roll of USPS stamps.
For other Forever stamps selling at marconisp.com, you can get 100 pieces per pack.
Are these real Forever stamps?
Yes. Each stamp selling on marconisp.com is a real USPS Forever stamp. These stamps have been authorized by the United States Postal Service and will always be accepted for the value of a standard First-Class postage stamp, regardless of future price increases. You can trust that the Forever stamps you purchase from marconisp.com are authentic and valid for postage.
How many stamps to mail a letter?
To mail a 1 ounce letter, you only need ONE Forever postage stamp. But if you only have postcard stamps, TWO postcard stamps are required to mail a 1 ounce letter. By the way, ONE postcard stamp is sufficient for mailing a postcard
It’s important to note that the weight of the letter, as well as the dimensions and destination, can affect the number of stamps required. Therefore, it’s recommended to use the USPS postage calculator or consult with a postal clerk for the most accurate postage rates.