revolutionary-war-battle-stamps-southern-maryland-tribute

The U.S. Postal Service is set to unveil its Battlefields of the American Revolution Forever stamps on April 16, 2025, at 11 a.m. EDT, during a first-day-of-issue ceremony at the North Bridge Visitor Center in Minute Man National Historical Park, located at 174 Liberty St., Concord, MA. This free, outdoor event, open to the public, marks the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War’s commencement. Judy de Torok, USPS Corporate Affairs Vice President, will lead the dedication of the stamps, with RSVPs encouraged at usps.com/battlefieldsstamps. The online hashtag #BattlefieldsStamps is helping spread the word.

Commemorating Historic Battles with Artistic Stamps

The pane of 15 Battlefields of the American Revolution Forever stamps pays tribute to five crucial battles—Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill, Trenton, Saratoga, and Yorktown. These stamps feature watercolor paintings by Greg Harlin alongside photos by talented photographers Jon Bilous, Richard Lewis, Tom Morris, Gregory J. Parker, and Kevin Stewart. Designed by USPS art director Derry Noyes, these Forever stamps, always matching the First-Class Mail one-ounce rate, beautifully combine historic art with modern images of the battle sites. The unveiling of these stamps on April 16 coincides with Patriots’ Day weekend, commemorating the April 19, 1775, clashes at Lexington and Concord that ignited the war for independence.

The Battles of Lexington and Concord, the initial skirmishes of the Revolutionary War in Massachusetts, demonstrated the determination of citizen soldiers against British forces. Bunker Hill, primarily fought on Breed’s Hill near Boston, showcased American resilience despite a tactical defeat, leading to strategic adjustments by the British following heavy casualties. The Battle of Trenton, which occurred after George Washington’s daring crossing of the Delaware River in December 1776, resulted in a crucial victory that revitalized the patriot cause. The twin battles of Saratoga in New York—Freeman’s Farm and Bemis Heights—halted a British effort to divide the colonies, ultimately securing French support. The Battle of Yorktown, the final major land battle of the war in Virginia, culminated in a British surrender in 1781 after an extended American siege, aided by French allies.

Historical Significance and Legacy Preserved

Minute Man National Historical Park, spread across 1,027 acres in Concord, Lexington, and Lincoln, serves as a vital commemoration of these early battlefields, attracting over 1 million visitors annually. The Battlefields of the American Revolution Forever stamps not only honor history but also capture its enduring legacy. Harlin’s evocative artwork depicts pivotal moments of combat, while the photographers’ images document the present-day landscapes of these historic sites. Issued as Forever stamps, they will retain their value despite any future postage rate adjustments, in accordance with USPS policy. The upcoming ceremony highlights the Postal Service’s integral role in acknowledging America’s 250th anniversary, urging attendees to RSVP by April 15 to join the celebration.

David M. Higgins II, a dedicated journalist with a passion for uncovering stories and revealing truths, brings a unique perspective to his craft. Hailing from Baltimore and raised in Southern Maryland, his experiences have shaped his understanding of the region’s rich history and cultural significance. Through his work, he strives to capture the essence of events like the unveiling of the Battlefields of the American Revolution Forever stamps, blending historical context with modern relevance to engage and inform readers.