Seattle Hosts the National Unveiling of New USPS Year of the Dragon Forever Stamp
OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates of Greater Seattle, in partnership with the United States Postal Service, will host the national unveiling of the Year of the Dragon Lunar New Year stamp, Thursday, January 25, 11 AM, International District Community Center. Since 1993, OCA Asian Pacific American Advocates (formerly known as the Organization of Chinese Americans), and USPS have selected different sites to unveil the latest Lunar New Year
stamp. For the Year of the Dragon, Seattle was chosen.
“While our formal name changed in 2013, OCA Greater Seattle is proud to collaborate with the USPS to celebrate the Chinese heritage along with others who celebrate the Lunar New Year,” said Connie So, president of OCA-GS. “The Year of the Dragon is especially significant as it represents strength, courage, and innovation for the coming year and should be a lucky year for all.”
In 1986, OCA-Georgia President, Jean Chen, introduced the idea to honor Chinese American culture through a commemorative stamp. By 1991, Claudine Cheng, then OCA National President, contacted USPS to consider the stamp proposal. The Year of the Rooster stamp debut in 1993 sold phenomenally worldwide, second only to the sale of the Elvis Presley stamp. Following the stamp’s success, USPS issued the rest of the series.
Clarence Lee of Hawaii designed this first stamp series from 1993 to 2005. Kam Mak of New York designed the second stamp series from 2008 to 2019. Currently, Camille Chew of New York, has designed the third series. The dragon stamp is the third stamp from the series. While the USPS has changed the artistic direction of the series, the stamp remains popular.
Thursday’s event will include dragon dance performances by Mak Fai Lion Dance Team and other entertainment. Small snacks will be served. Other cosponsors include Chinese Information Services Center, Bellevue Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Cathay Bank, Chinese American Citizens Alliance, Chong Wa Benevolent Association, Friends of China Town, Joyale Restaurant, UW American Ethnic Studies Department (Seattle), United Chinese of Washington, Wing Luke Museum.
