On 10 November 2005, the United States Postal Service will issue four new stamps called the "Distinguished Marines Series." The stamps commemorate four of the Corps more notable Marines: General Lewis Chesty Puller, General John A. LeJeune, Sergeant Major Daniel J. Daly, and Gunnery Sergeant John Manila John Basilone. Appropriately, this date is also the 230th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.

There are only two locations that have been authorized by the United States Postal Service as First Day Issue and Cancellation sites: Headquarters, United States Marine Corps in Washington, D.C. and the Marine Corps Legacy Museum in Harrison, Arkansas - a singular honor for the museum and for Harrison.

Beginning at 2 PM on 10 November 2005, the museum, in conjunction with the United States Postal Service, will host a First Day Issue and Cancellation ceremony at the John Hammerschmidt Conference Center located on the south campus of North Arkansas College in Harrison.

First Day Cancellations of the Distinguished Marine stamps will be available after the ceremony.

Please notify us by 1 November 2005 if you plan to attend and how many will be in your party. Contact information is listed below for mail, telephone, or e-mail.

The stamp ceremony will be followed that evening by a formal, reservation only, Marine Corps Birthday Ball starting at 6:30 PM. Ball reservations must be made prior to close of business on 1 November 2005.

Again, you can contact us by mail, telephone, or e-mail.

Marine Corps Legacy Museum
PO Box 2654,
Harrison, AR 72602

870 743 1680
e-mail: mclm@windstream.net