Post office to unveil new patriotism stamp

WASHINGTON – A new postage stamp reflecting the surge of patriotism in the wake of the terrorist attacks will be unveiled Tuesday by the Postal Service.

The design of the 34-cent stamp will be made public by Robert F. Rider, chairman of the postal governing board, and Postmaster General John E. Potter.

Reportedly it will show a large American flag above the words "United We Stand."

While this stamp is planned for the standard first-class rate, some members of Congress have proposed a stamp with a surcharge to raise money for the families of those killed at the Pentagon and World Trade Center.

Currently there is a surcharged stamp on sale to raise funds to fight breast cancer, but that is scheduled to go off sale.

Reps. Lois Capps, D-Calif., and Christopher Shays, R-Conn., have introduced a bill to create the new surcharged stamp at a rate of 40 cents, with the extra 6 cents designated for the families.

Other proposals have also been made, including legislation to create a stamp to help the families of the New York rescue workers and to produce a national commemorative coin.

AP-WS-10-01-01 1336EDT