The Postal Service issued a 34-cent United States Military Academy commemorative stamp in a self-adhesive pane of twenty in West Point, New York, on March 16, 2002. The stamp, designed by Derry Noyes of Washington, DC, and photographed by Ted Spiegel of Kingston, New York, went on sale nationwide March 17, 2002.
With the issuance of this stamp, the Postal Service recognized the bicentennial of the United States Military Academy. Thomas Jefferson signed legislation establishing a military academy at West Point, New York, in 1802. The academy was located at the site of a critical defensive position during the Revolutionary War. Its location prevented the British from gaining control of the vital Hudson River Valley and dividing the colonies. George Washington declared West Point to be the key to the continent.
Sennett Security Products printed 55 million stamps in the gravure process.
Reference:
Postal Bulletin (February 21, 2002).
