One of Stamp Collecting's Greatest Treasures
! The First Officially Postmarked Elvis Presley First Day Cover with an official letter of authenticity from Graceland. This
great "American Treasure" was signed by Elvis' wife Priscilla Presley, artist Mark Stutzman who was commissioned
by the United States Postal Service to design the stamp, Postmaster General of the United States Honorable Anthony Frank,
Graceland Chief Executive Officer Jack Soden, Elvis' best friends George Klein and Jerry Schilling, the United States Postal
Service media relations director Frank Brannon, and Washington Post Editor Bill McAllister. Other dignitaries who witnessed
the cancellation and signed the first day cover included Elvis' friend and Mayor of Shelby County the Honorable William Morris,
recording engineer and founder of Sun Records Sam Phillips, and CBS Network media relations director and television personality
Mark McEwen. Both, stamp and envelope, were cancelled by late Graceland employee Laura Ferguson (1952-2002) at the Graceland
Post Office, adjacent to Elvis' home, at approximately 12:15 A.M. January 8, 1993. Two letters of authenticity printed on
official Graceland stationery were authorized and approved by Graceland manager Debbie Johnson and presented to David on the
day of the event.
The Elvis First Day Cover is considered a priceless philatelic gem by stamp collectors,
stamp collecting organizations and Elvis Fans throughout the world. It has been recognized by the American Philatelic Society as a great national rarity and national treasure.
David was invited to appear on television and radio stations throughout the United States and the world, broadcasting
the First Day Cover event, to speak to viewers and listeners about Elvis and stamp collecting. The Elvis Presley Commemorative
Stamp Issue of January 8, 1993, Elvis' birthday, held in Memphis, Tennessee, Elvis' home town, was the most spectacular event
in postal history. This great day for Memphis and Graceland was witnessed by many thousands of Elvis fans, and stamp collectors,
from all over the world who made their pilgrimage to Memphis as well as many hundreds of other towns and cities where simultaneous
first day ceremonies and cancellations were taking place, including millions of viewers and listeners via television and radio.
They came to Memphis to be part of this wonderful celebration and to honor the life of the world's greatest entertainer. He
was a great friend to millions of fans because of his many unselfish acts of kindness, charity and brotherhood. His righteous
memory will always be a bright, shining candle to those who love him. To the world, it appeared as if Elvis' had returned
home on that day and, in a way, had a "letter" for David.
Visit Graceland on Elvis' birthdate, January
8th, for special events and share complimentary birthday cake with fans from all over the globe. Visit during the week of
August 16th for the International Candelight Vigil and Elvis Week Celebration. Participate in many week-long, great events
for you, your family and friends ! Memphis welcomes you !
Remember: Elvis' backup singers were called "The
Stamps" !
Please Observe "National Stamp Collecting Month" in the United States Each October
and Support The American Philatelic Society Stamp Collecting is the Hobby of "Kings" !
