Military News

'Celebrate Scouting' Stamp Unveiled at Fort A.P. Hill

By Danny Spatchek
Army News Service

July 28, 2010 - Fort A.P. Hill Commander Lt. Col. John Haefner encouraged a crowd of hundreds to write letters to Soldiers and veterans at the official release ceremony of the “Celebrate Scouting” stamp at Fort A.P. Hill, July 27.

The ceremony, which kicked off the second day of the 2010 Boy Scout Jamboree, marked the release of the stamp commissioned by the United States Postal Service in celebration of the character-building organization’s 100th anniversary.

The stamp, designed by illustrator Craig Frazier, depicts a scout surveying the land from a mountaintop within the silhouette of a scout peering through binoculars.

Haefner said holding the ceremony at Fort A.P. Hill was especially symbolic given the long history of letters in the military.

“Remember what it is like to open a letter, especially to all you veterans,” he said. “Letters are just like… the home. The home is always bigger on the inside than it is on the outside.”

Haefner added that, as a Soldier, it’s exciting to receive a letter during war —especially one that smells of perfume.

The Boy Scouts of America and USPS have posted tips for sending letters to Soldiers on their websites. The tips range from ideas for what scouts can include in a letter to a Soldier — such as a funny story or troop photo — to steps they can take to ensure letters make it through heightened security measures to Soldiers.

Joining Haefner in dedicating the stamp were 15-year-old Eagle Scout Jeremy Diedny, who earned the stamp-collecting merit badge and admitted being hooked on stamp collecting, and Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts Robert Mazzuca.

Mazzuca spoke about the significance of the BSA’s history, and recognized the military’s support throughout those 100 years.

“Let’s keep those in mind who are serving in our armed forces through the simple act of sending a letter to wherever they are in the world protecting our freedom,” Mazzuca said. “Their sacrifices allow us to come together and enjoy this great Jamboree today.”

David Failor, USPS executive director of stamp services, said more than 200 people purchased the new stamp at the Jamboree Post Office Tuesday.

An estimated 30,000 will attend this year’s 10-day centennial Jamboree.

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