Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, one of the most familiar Utah landmarks, is featured on the new Utah statehood centennial stamp for which the design was unveiled Tuesday in the state Capitol.
The stamp, which won't be issued until Statehood Day next Jan. 4, was specially designed to commemorate Utah's 100 years as a state.Tuesday's event was the first time in history that a stamp design has been unveiled by the U.S. Postal Service outside of Washington, D.C. Traditionally, all stamp designs for the new year are unveiled in the nation's capital. This year, for the first time, a select few stamp designs for 1996 will be shown initially in cities other than Washington.
Statehood Centennial Commission chairman Stephen M. Stud-dert, who gave welcoming remarks in the Capitol rotunda, said the Postal Service is honoring past and present Utah citizens by issuing the Utah centennial stamp.
"Today we unveil this to the world, and it will become available for purchase on Statehood Day, Jan. 4, 1996," Studdert said.
"This stamp represents in bold, vivid colors the unequaled natural grandeur of Utah and captures in subtle ways the rugged spirit of our state," Studdert said. The Capitol reverberated with a medley of patriotic music sung by the 110-voice Salt Lake Symphonic Choir, conducted by George A. Welch.
Studdert said the Postal Service's selection of a Utah artist, McRay Magleby of Provo, to design the stamp is a somewhat unusual honor. Magleby is the creative director for Brigham Young University and a distinguished professor of graphic design at the University of Utah.
"We salute Mr. Magleby on this artistic contribution to Utah's centennial," Studdert said.
Studdert thanked Utahns who served on the original Centennial Selection Committee, which looked at many designs and made recommendations on what the stamp should represent.
Lt. Gov. Olene S. Walker, another speaker, said it's an honor to have a stamp dedicated to the Utah centennial and noted that Tuesday's unveiling is one of the first events to kick off a year of Utah centennial events.
"While the stamp is not going to be put out for sale until Jan. 4, it is symbolic of the centennial events," she said.
Walker said the new stamp has strong significance for Utah. As the stamp travels around the country it will be a "beautiful representation for the state." The stamp, she said, is representative of many scenic tourism opportunities throughout Utah.
"I know of no other state that has the diversity of geographic terrain that Utah has. There is something for everyone here. Whether one was born here or migrated here, Utah is a state of which we can all be proud," Walker said.
Stephen L. Johnson, Salt Lake district manager for the Postal Service, also spoke, saying the new stamp is "emphatic, like a miniature poster. It's symbolic yet simple."
He said, "While we know we can't please everyone, I think the stamp will please many - not only in Utah, but outside of our state as well, educating a few more people around the country about Utah and what it has to offer."
Johnson said initial issuance of the stamp Jan. 4 will be part of a week of events kicking off Utah's centennial.
"People will be able to get first-day-of-issue cancellations or postmarks, which are true collectors items. On Jan. 5, the stamp will go on sale across the rest of the state and across the rest of the country.
"Utah is rich with history. The Postal Service is happy to be able to play a part in that history, and in the centennial celebration, by issuing the stamp," Johnson said.
The stamp will be issued at 8 a.m. Jan. 4 by Gov. Mike Leavitt in conjunction with a philatelic exposition at the State Fairpark Grand Building. During the first 30 days of issue, mail in each of Utah's 29 counties will receive specially designed cancellation stamps, according to the Statehood Centennial Commission office.
The stamp designer was named "Designer of the Decade" in 1986 by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. His most recent award, from "HOW" magazine, named him as one of the "12 most influential designers" in America.