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" !
