2014 US First-Class Forever Stamp - The Star Spangled Banner Booklet

This stamp commemorates 200th anniversary of Star-Spangled Banner.The stamps image is from a photo of flag that flies over Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine.It was taken during fireworks display at annual Defenders Day celebration.

During the War of 1812, Mary Pickersgill was commissioned to sew a flag so large that the British will have no difficulty seeing it from a distance.The flag was to fly over Baltimores Fort McHenry, which the British hoped to capture.

Pickersgill was asked to make one American ensign, 30 x 42 feet, first quality bunting.A smaller flag of lighter materials was also ordered for use during bad weather.Over 400 yards of wool bunting was needed to construct the larger flag, which weighed about 50 pounds.Because of its size, the work was done on the floor of a nearby brewery after the business had closed for the day.

The British began bombarding Fort McHenry on September 13 1814. Francis Scott Key witnessed the 25-hour assault from a ship in Chesapeake Bay.Because it was raining heavily, Key likely saw the smaller flag at twilight's last gleaming.But as morning neared, the over sized flag was defiantly hoisted above Fort McHenry.The sight inspired Key to write lyrics about the star-spangled banner.

If not for fate, the Battle of Fort McHenry would have had a more explosive ending.Only the forts commander knew that its gunpowder magazine, over which some 2,000 shells fell, was not bombproof.A direct hit would have destroyed the fort instantly.

Gary Clark was the photographer for the stamps image.He said it was difficult to get the fireworks and the flag at the same time because it was windy the night he took the photo at the Defenders Day celebration.

Value:73 cents

Issue Date:January 28, 2014
City:Independence, MO

Type of Stamp:Definitive
Printed By:Ashton Potter USA Ltd.
Printing Method:Offset
Perforations:Serpentine die cut 11  X 10 
Self-Adhesive

Quantity:1 billion