The IBMA has released a letter received the Stamp Services department of the United States Postal Service, noting that Bill Monroe is “under consideration” as the subject of a future stamp. This committee is responsible for making recommendations to the Postmaster General with regard to possible stamp subjects and designs.
It sounds to me like those petitions that folks have been sending along to the USPS have been having the desired effect!
The letter from Stamp Development Manager Terrence McCaffrey (through a subordinate) makes clear that while a Monroe stamp is being considered, a decision can not be made in time for a stamp to be issued during the Monroe Centennial year of 2011, a major goal of the Bill Monroe Stamp Campaign.
The letter states:
“As additional information, the Committee decides on new stamp subject recommendations far in advance of teh issue date in order to provide time for planning, design, production and distribution. Currently the 2011 and 2012 stamp programs are completed, and stamp subjects for the 2013 program and subsequent years are being selected. Although many of the subjects for upcoming new stamps have been identified, no public announcement of individual new stamps is made until the entire stamp program for that year has been approved.”
This letter is quite similar to ones received by other organizations who have submitted petitions to the USPS, though I’m not sure if they have indicated that a Monroe stamp is under consideration. We would love to see other letters if anyone would be willing to share them with Bluegrass Today.
But don’t let up with teh petitions and letters of support! Contact the Bill Monroe Stamp Campaign online to see how you can help.
