It's Stars & Stripes (& Stamps) 'Forever' in Delray Beach

Delray Beach O-I-C Joel Ouellette presents plaque of Four Flag stamps to US Representative Ted Deutch at Fourth of July celebration.

Story & Photo:  LuAnn Warner, West Palm Beach Customer Relations Coordinator
The Four Flags stamps were sparkling on the fourth of July in Delray Beach. Joel Ouellette, Officer-In-Charge of Delray Beach spoke about the history of stamps at the Lawton Chiles Pavilion to local citizens.
The crowd was gathered on America’s holiday to celebrate the reading of the Declaration of Independence by US Representative Ted Deutch. Prior to the reading, Joel presented the Congressman with a plaque of the four stamps that represent an important theme in America’s development as a nation: Freedom, Liberty, Equality, and Justice. Joel stated that “stamps are as much an American Icon as are the flag and the Declaration of Independence.” The symbolism of the flags on the stamps clearly sparked patriotic enthusiasm in the crowd as Joel was applauded when he handed the flag stamps over to the Congressman. The red, white and blue audience recited the Pledge of Allegiance and sang along to “God Bless America.”
The Four Flags stamps were issued in 2012, as a reminder to Congress passing legislation in 1818 stating that the number of stars on the flag should match the number of states in the Union. The legislation also specified that new stars would be added to the flag on the July 4 after a state’s admission. The flag’s 50th star was added on July 4, 1960, after Hawaii became a state on August 21, 1959. Currently, the U.S. flag consists of 13 stripes and 50 stars.
Thanks to the efforts of Joel on this Independence Day, the U.S. Postal Service continued its tradition of honoring those Stars and Stripes. Also aiding in the event was Tom Noone, A/Manager, Customer Services, Delray Beach. 

(L to R) Tom Noone, A/Manager, Customer Services, Delray Beach, joined Joel Ouellette, Delray Beach O-I-C at the Fourth of July celebration.