Alaska Statehood Stamp Features Iditarod Musher
The spirit of Alaska and its colorful past were celebrated today when the U.S. Postal Service issued the 50th Anniversary Alaska Statehood commemorative stamp in the Discovery Ballroom of The Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage, AK. The stamps went on sale nationwide this week.
In celebration of Alaska’s past, with the treaty ratification with Russia on April 9, 1867, the purchase and transfer to the United States on Oct. 18, 1867, to it becoming an official U.S. territory in 1912, and the 49th state on Jan. 3, 1959, Alaska remains “the last frontier.” The name of the state derives from an Aleut word meaning “great land.”
“The stamp is emblematic of the State of Alaska, and one of which we can all be very proud.” said Dianne Horbochuk, USPS district manager for customer service in Alaska.
Joining Horbochuk in the stamp dedication were Alaska Governor Sarah Palin (R), United States Senator Lisa Murkowski (R), stamp photographer Jeff Schultz and KTUU Chief Meteorologist Jackie Purcell, Channel 2, NBC News who acted as master of ceremonies.
