For the first time in history, a new commemorative postage stamp will be issued on the same day in every state. April 4, 2002, will mark the U.S. Postal Service's release of the Greetings from America stamps. The 34-cent, self-adhesive Greetings from America stamps combine flora and fauna with local points of interest into collages that celebrate the unique character of each of the 50 states. The designs are reminiscent of the retro "large letter" postcards popular with tourists in the 1930s and 1940s.

Official first day of issue ceremonies for the Greetings from America stamps will be held April 4 in every state capital city and at noon at the Postage Stamp Mega-Event stamp show, which runs April 4-7 at Show Pier 88, W. 50th St. at 12th Ave., New York, N.Y. The stamps will be available that day at post offices nationwide.

The release of the stamps on April 4, 2002, will mark the first issuance of a pane of 50 stamps in 10 years. The Wildflowers stamps issued in 1992 continue to hold their place as the second most popular commemorative stamps of all time, behind the Elvis stamp.

The Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) is partnering with the Postal Service on the issuance of the Greetings from America stamps by sponsoring a national See America Sweepstakes to "Win Your American Dream Vacation." All 50 states are participating in the program, and 50 one-week vacations-one for each state-will be awarded to 50 lucky winners. Entries will be taken starting March 23 at the TIA Web site at www.SeeAmerica.org.

Greetings from America themed collectibles can be purchased at http://www.greetingsfromamerica.com.