U.S. Postal Service Commemorates Elie Wiesel with Special Stamp Release
Today, the U.S. Postal Service has released a special stamp honoring the life and contributions of Elie Wiesel, the renowned humanitarian and Holocaust survivor. This significant event took place in New York City, with Wiesel being the 18th individual recognized in the Distinguished Americans stamp series. The ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including family members and prominent figures from religious and civic organizations.
Elie Wiesel, who lived through the horrors of the Holocaust, dedicated his life to ensuring that the memories of its victims were not forgotten. His influential book, "Night," published in 1960, is a powerful recount of his experiences in Nazi concentration camps, serving as a stark reminder of the atrocities faced by Jewish people during World War II. Through his work, Wiesel became a prominent voice advocating for human rights and social justice.
In a statement, Ronald A. Stroman, a member of the Postal Service Board of Governors, remarked on the significance of honoring Wiesel through this stamp. He emphasized that Wiesel's life exemplifies the greatness of the American experience and underlines the values of resilience and compassion that are essential to the nation’s ethos. Stroman noted that Wiesel's career as a journalist, author, and educator was centered around giving a voice to those who could not speak for themselves.
Alongside Stroman at the dedication ceremony were Elisha Wiesel, the son of Elie Wiesel and chairman of the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity, and Rabbi David Ingber from the Bronfman Center, among others. The presence of these individuals highlights Wiesel's far-reaching impact, both within the Jewish community and on a broader scale.
Elie Wiesel's legacy extends to several important achievements, including becoming a United States citizen in 1963 and being appointed the chairman of the President's Commission on the Holocaust in 1978. His tireless advocacy contributed to the establishment of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, which opened in 1993. The Wiesel family also created the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity, funded by Wiesel's Nobel Peace Prize, awarded in 1986 for his efforts as a "messenger for mankind."
The commemorative stamp features a poignant photograph of Wiesel taken by Sergey Bermeniev and has been designed by Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS. The stamp itself is labeled "Two Ounce" and will maintain its value indefinitely. To promote the stamp's launch, the U.S. Postal Service is utilizing the hashtag #ElieWieselStamps across social media platforms, encouraging public engagement and awareness.
For those interested in obtaining the Elie Wiesel stamp, it is accessible via the USPS's online Postal Store or through various other purchasing options, including phone and mail orders. The initiative is part of the Postal Service's ongoing commitment to honor influential figures and preserve their legacies through philatelic means.
In a world where messages can quickly fade, the dedication of this stamp serves as a reminder of Wiesel’s profound impact on humanity and the importance of memory in combating indifference and injustice. The U.S. Postal Service continues to strive towards modernizing its operations while fulfilling its mission of providing reliable postal services to communities nationwide. With this new addition to its offerings, the USPS not only showcases a significant historical figure but also reinforces the values that unite us as a society.
For further information about this stamp and other postal initiatives, the U.S. Postal Service encourages the public to visit their official website or their social media channels. This stamp is more than just a postage item; it is a tribute to a legacy that continues to inspire and challenge individuals around the globe to advocate for justice and remembrance.