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Unveiling Ceremony
Unveiling Ceremony
Feb 11, 2011
The unveiling ceremony of the Ronald Reagan Forever Stamp was held in the Reagan Birthplace in Tampico, Il, on Feb. 10, 2011. This prestigious event was only held in four stations nation-wide. The program began with a welcome from Tampico Mayor, Larry Specht. John Johnson, Director of The Reagan Birthplace was the Master of Ceremonies. The Presentation of Colors was performed by Tampico Boy Scout Troop #94, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Roy Haney, member of the Tampico American Legion Post #574. An introduction by Tampico Postmaster Bill Borum, followed by remarks from Robin Blackert, IL Reagan Commission & Aide to IL State Representative Jerry Mitchell; Joan Johnson, Director of the Reagan Birthplace & Museum, & member of Reagan Centennial Commission and Gail Duba, District Manager, Hawkeye District, USPS; and State Representative Jerry Mitchell. After the unveiling, Joan Johnson brought the program to a close. Home-made baked goods were served by Shirley Lester and other TAHS volunteers in the Historical Building.
Link to photos of the event: https://picasaweb.google.com/TampicoHistoricalSociety/UnveilingForeverStamp?feat=directlink
I also have a video of the actual unveiling, but it is too large (25MB) for me to send via emails. I'll try to get it on YouTube.
Joan Johnson did a fabulous job coordinating all the recent events in Tampico for the Centennial. Of course, she had a lot of help from the volunteers, particularly Shirley Lester. We should all be very grateful for the grace and dignity that Joan presented to the world. It is probably the last time that Tampico will get such notice; but they will remember us well.
Let us not forget about the Rainbow stamps and cachet. Former, retired postmaster, Judy Jacobson did a fabulous job in the design of the rainbow cachet and getting approval for Tampico to offer this stamp exclusively. Judy put many hours and months into this endeavor, and the results were beautiful. Mail orders are still being accepted at this writing. Contact: Joan Johnson, reaganbirthplace@thewisp.net or 815-622-8705 to order yours. If you have not yet seen the Rainbow cachet or the First Day of Issue cachet, you can view them in our Picasa web album: https://picasaweb.google.com/TampicoHistoricalSociety/ReaganCentennial2011?feat=directlink
It was an interesting encounter for me. In all of the years that I have been associated with Tampico events, I have met many who claim to know or be related to someone who "babysat" Ronald Reagan when he lived there. But I had never encountered any one of 77 people he saved at Lowell Park - until Thursday. Carole Vaughn's father, Jay Dunn, was saved by Ronald when he was just 5 years old. He was at the Park for a 4th of July event in 1930 and standing near the water. Someone had accidentally bumped him and he fell into the water. Ronald saved him. Of course, it was many years later before he realized who had rescued him. Mr. Dunn is still living.
I think I speak on behalf of all of us when I say to both Joan and Judy (and Shirley, too!), THANK YOU!
Denise
TAMPICO AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY - MUSEUM - FAMILY HISTORY LIBRARY/RESEARCH CENTER 119 Main St., P. O. Box 154, Tampico, IL 61283 www.tampicohistoricalsociety.com tampicoareahistory@gmail.com We are an all-volunteer organization so your donations are always appreciated! Sign up to receive our e-newsletter. Thank you! Visit us on FACEBOOK.
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