Mickey And Friends Get Stamps Of Approval From U.S. Postal Service
The U.S. Postal Service unveiled four new commemorative postage stamps on Dec. 30, 2003 that celebrate friendship as portrayed by the Walt Disney studio, honoring some of the most beloved animated characters in the history of American entertainment.
The Art of Disney: Friendship stamps feature several world-famous friends: Goofy, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck; Bambi and Thumper; Simba and his father, Mufasa; and Jiminy Cricket and Pinocchio. The Postal Service will issue the 37-cent, self-adhesive stamps in summer 2004.
"The new postage stamps are a tremendous testament to the lasting popularity of Mickey Mouse and other beloved Disney characters like Bambi and Simba, said Mary Beech, director, franchise management, Disney Consumer Products. We are honored to be working with the United States Postal Service to release to consumers such a wonderful and endearing stamp program."
Mickey Mouse made his debut on Nov. 18, 1928, in the first synchronized sound cartoon, STEAMBOAT WILLIE. "With help from his pals, Goofy and the "fowl-tempered" Donald Duck, clever little Mickey quickly became an American icon.
The Art of Disney: Friendship stamps feature illustrations by Disney artist Peter Emmerich. David Pacheco from Walt Disney Art Classics was the art director for the stamps.
This is the first of three stamp panels honoring the art of Disney to be issued by the Postal Service. Celebration and romance are the themes for future stamps in this series.
To see The Art of Disney: Friendship stamps, visit the online Postal Store at www.usps.com/shop and click on "Release Schedule" in the Collector's Corner. To learn more about Disney characters featured on postage stamps around the world check out http://disney-stamps.com.
Current U.S. stamps and stationery, as well as a free catalog, are available by toll-free phone order at 1 800 STAMP-24. In addition, a selection of stamps and other philatelic items are available at the online Postal Store at www.usps.com/shop. Custom-framed art prints of original stamp art are available at www.postalartgallery.com.