About This Stamp
The Postal Service issued a 32-cent stamp saluting "The Stars and Stripes Forever!" march on August 21, 1997, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in conjunction with STAMPSHOW '97, the annual convention of the American Philatelic Society.
The stamp features an imaginary scene of a small town marching band with the United States flag pictured in the background.
The stamp pays tribute to John Philip Sousa's "The Stars and Stripes Forever!" march, which premiered in Sousa's repertoire in Philadelphia on May 14, 1897.
Designed by Richard Sheaff of Norwood, Massachusetts, and illustrated by David LaFleur of Derby, Kansas, the stamp was issued in a pane of 50 and printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Painting in the gravure process.
First Day of Issue Ceremony
First Day of Issue Date: August 21, 1997
First Day of Issue Location: Milwaukee, WI