Leo B. Tudela, USPS director for Asia-Pacific Relations, said it was in 2008 when the first set of 10 stamps were issued. Later that year, a second set featuring the flags of Guam and Hawaii were issued.
The fifth set includes the Northern Marianas, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota and Tennessee.
Tudela said the “Flags of Our Nation” stamps were designed by Delaware artist Tom Engeman, who reproduced as accurately as possible complex elements such as state seals and coats of arms.
The CNMI stamp features the flag of the commonwealth against a background of sandy beaches and coconut palms.
Tudela said unlike previous multi-stamp issuances, the Flags of Our Nation series is not limited to official animals, flowers or products. It is also not meant to showcase well-known buildings, landmarks or monuments.
Former Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente likes the design of the new stamp. “Any recognition is always very helpful for the entire commonwealth,” he said.
Yesterday’s event, he added, was very important because it promoted the islands. “This is something we need — our tourism industry needs a boost.”
Tudela said for more than 160 years, the USPS goal continues to be to provide a reliable and affordable network for Americans to communicate and conduct commerce with one another.
He noted that until the 1840s postage was paid by the recipient and not the sender.
Sablan, for his part, said the new stamp “captures the beauty and majesty of our commonwealth flag and reminds everyone of our beautiful tropical beaches and swaying palm trees.”
He said such stamps will help increase awareness about CNMI among those who have yet to visit the islands.
“It will also serve as a fond reminder to those who have. This new stamp complements the 1993 issuance of the Northern Mariana Islands ‘Latte Stone’ stamp and the 2009 minting of the commonwealth quarter,” he added.
Sablan said the new stamp highlights Chamorro and Carolinian cultures as well as the CNMI’s special relationship with the United States.
Early this year, he said he introduced a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives requiring the armed forces to fly the commonwealth and other territorial flags, whenever the flags of the 50 states are flown.
Guam Post Master Fred Workman said the launching of the new stamp is very significant for Saipan.
“It puts Saipan on the map as a lot of people I think are not aware Saipan exists, so this will give the island a lot of exposure,” he said.
USPS district manager in Honolulu Daryl A. Ishizaki said the stamp shows that the CNMI is part of the United States.
Ross Honda, the post master of Kealakekua, Hawaii, said that “it’s a real privilege to have your territory or state on a stamp.”
Honda will be on Saipan for two months to take over the post master position while Jacqueline Camacho, the officer-in-charge, undergoes training in Hawaii.
Tudela announced yesterday that he will be retiring from the USPS next year.
Manglona, on behalf of the governor and Congressman Sablan ,received the framed stamp art as tokens of appreciation from the USPS.
