Photo: Brian Patrick Mulligan, in his Benjamin Franklin garb, stands in front of a statue of the first postmaster general at the National Postal Museum. Mike Porter, a USPS communications specialist, performs at the 250 Years of Delivering stamp dedication ceremony.
The Postal Service’s dedication ceremony for its new 250 Years of Delivering stamps showcased the musical talents of three employees.
Mike Porter, a communications specialist for the chief processing and distribution officer’s organization, welcomed attendees with two Elvis Presley tunes: “Return to Sender” and “Love Me.”
Porter was accompanied by Steve Kochersperger, the USPS historian, who played guitar.
“I was honored to be a part of this historic celebration. I am a third-generation postal employee, so it was not only a special moment for me, but for my entire family,” said Porter, who also performed the national anthem.
The July 23 ceremony, held outside the Postal Service’s headquarters in Washington, DC, was part of the organization’s 250th anniversary celebration.
Abby Martin, an integration and support manager, also warmed up the crowd with a fiddle performance of “Old Joe Clark” and “Devil’s Dream.” Porter and Martin previously performed together at an event during the National Postal Forum in April.
Next-gen philately
Sachaye Walker, a high school teacher and stamp collector from Nashville, TN, was one of the attendees at the stamp dedication ceremony, where she met with Sheila Holman, the USPS marketing vice president, and Lisa Bobb-Semple, stamp services director.
Walker, the youngest member of the Nashville Philatelist Club, is teaching a new generation about the U.S. Mail.
As an end-of-year project, she has her students write and send two letters, choosing two stamps from her collection to use as postage.
“My requirement is two letters, but it is a beauty to see them want to write more, mail more. We go over the process of where to find a mailbox, and where to find more stamps if they want,” she said.
It is gratifying for Walker, because at the beginning of the project, many don’t know all the Postal Service has to offer.
“So many kids just need an access point and then they are in,” she said.
Ben there, done that
The USPS 250th anniversary celebration also included a family-oriented party at the National Postal Museum in Washington, DC, on July 26.
Among the highlights: Brian Patrick Mulligan, a Benjamin Franklin impersonator, told the story of the Postal Service’s founding.
It was the latest appearance as Franklin for the actor and historical impersonator, who has also played the first postmaster general on dozens of TV shows, including “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and “The Tonight Show.”
Just how long has Mulligan been playing Franklin?
“Three hundred nineteen years,” he said. “Well, really 35.”
