[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 112 (Friday, August 3, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1518]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           POSTAGE STAMP SERIES ENTITLED ``E PLURIBUS UNUM''

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 2, 2001

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I have the distinct privilege of 
introducing a resolution that honors the United States of America and 
all the jurisdictions which comprise it through the issuance of a 
postage stamp series entitled ``E Pluribus Unum.''
  ``E Pluribus Unum'' is a Latin phrase that may sound familiar to many 
of us. In English, it means ``out of many, one,'' and it was selected 
to appear on our coins and dollar bills because it references the 
unification of the original thirteen colonies into one nation. Today, 
the United States of America encompasses 50 states, the District of 
Columbia, and the territories of Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin 
Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands. As the first year of the millennium draws to 
a close, it is timely and appropriate that we celebrate these distinct 
states and territories that unite to form our country, the land of the 
free.
  While we go about our daily routines, it is easy to forget that our 
great country extends past mountains, rivers, valleys, and even oceans. 
While our children might recognize the stars and stripes of our 
national banner and their state or territory flag, it is highly 
unlikely that they are familiar with the varying flags and emblems of 
the individual states and territories. Stamps depicting state and 
territorial flags, or other suitable emblems, are creative and highly 
enjoyable mediums through which we may impart knowledge to our children 
regarding the diversity of our great nation.
  Stamps are issued every year by the United States Postal Service, 
with the help of the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee. The Advisory 
Committee has 15 members whose backgrounds cover an extensive range of 
educational, artistic, historical and professional expertise. The 
Advisory Committee receives a myriad of letters, postcards and 
resolutions each year proposing ideas for stamps. The Advisory 
Committee studies the merits of these ideas and makes recommendations 
to the United States Postal Service, who has the final authority to 
issue stamps.
  Although this resolution cannot require the United States Postal 
Service to issue the stamp series, it is important for the U.S. 
Congress to express support for this legislation and consider its 
possibilities. Not only will this series serve to showcase our flags, 
seals, or emblems, which are works of pride and art, but we can expect 
the series to generate profits for the United States Postal Service, 
just as the 50 States Commemorative Coin Program Act has done for the 
Treasury Department. Barring an increase in the cost of stamps, all 
Americans, particularly our youth, will be introduced to the diversity 
of our nation at minimal expense by purchasing the whole set of these 
56 colorful stamps, for usage or for keepsakes, for under $20. Because 
each flag or emblem has a history behind it, these stamps can ignite 
interest in and awareness of our country's rich diversity and our 
united commitment to national ideals of freedom, justice, and 
democracy.
  For these reasons and more, I urge support for this resolution, which 
encourages the Citizen Stamp Advisory Committee to recommend to the 
Postmaster General the issuance of a postage stamp series that honors 
the United States of America.

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