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.
To See Enlarged Views of the Elvis First Day Cover Please Click Here (new window)
To See Letters of Authenticity, Honorarium & Other Documentation
Please Click Here (new window) & Click Thumbnail Images for Enlarged Images
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" !
Click "Elvis FDC" above for more details
of the first day cover.
Scott Stamp Catalogue © #2721
Many Thanks to Jack Soden & Elvis Presley Enterprises
