Stamps represent so much more than the fee to mail a letter. In their own small way, they remind us of what is unique and special about America, highlighting the people, places, events, and issues that are important to us as a nation.
The 2000 commemorative stamp program celebrates the vast universe of stamp collecting with several new stamps focusing on space exploration. In a year that carried us into a new century and a new millennium, it's fitting that the United States Postal Service shows us the beauty of outer space as captured by the Hubble Space Telescope. These extraordinary images symbolize not only humanity's achievements in space so far but also the infinite possibilities of our future space endeavors. The Stampin' The Future contest resulted in four delightful new stamps depicting children's views of life in the twenty-first century, proving that the future is indeed as limitless as the imaginations of our young generation.
From historic events to charitable causes, influential people to natural beauty, the 2000 collection pays tribute to the same spirit of exploration here on our planet. Whether it's the exhilaration of track-and-field competition or the awesome power of U.S. Navy submarines, the vivid flora and fauna of the Pacific Coast rain forest, or the intriguing creatures found in the depths of the world's vast underwater wilderness, this year's collection depicts a genuine diversity of subjects. A fascinating selection of men and women are featured: four distinguished soldiers; a Cabinet member; an actor, an artist, and a novelist; an astronomer; and twenty legendary baseball players--all pioneers in their respective fields and, in their own special way, representative of what makes us uniquely American.
Beautifully illustrated and designed as a cherished keepsake for stamp collectors and enthusiasts of all ages, The 2000 Commemorative Stamp Year Book is the perfect way to capture the excitement of this year's stamp program.