AMERICAN FLAG NEVER LOOKED SO BEAUTIFUL

WASHINGTON, DC The U.S. Postal Service will issue the Flags 24/7 stamps April 18 at 42 cents. Each of the four first-class stamps features a painting of an American flag flying at different times of the day:  sunrise, noon, sunset, and night.

For more than 200 years, the American flag has been the symbol of our nation's source of pride and inspiration for millions of citizens. In May of 1776, Betsy Ross reported that she sewed the first American flag.

Federal law stipulates many aspects of flag etiquette. In 1942, a code of flag etiquette was established.  The code states in part that the American flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset every day, weather permitting, but especially on days of national importance like Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Veterans Day.  Also, federal law requires that "when a patriotic effect is desired," the flag can be flown through the night if properly lit.  Although compliance is voluntary, public observation of the code's measures is widespread throughout the nation.

Today the American flag waves proudly during the day outside government offices and schools, and it stands watch day and night over the Capitol in Washington, DC, and at other public and private sites around the country.

Each of the four first-class stamps features a painting created by Laura Stutzman of Mountain Lake Park, MD. "I'm a huge fan of painted flags," says Stutzman, who used gouache on illustration board to capture the "living, breathing force" of her subject. 

The Flags 24/7 stamps will be available for purchase in Post Offices, on usps.com, and by calling 800-STAMP-24 starting Friday, April 18.