If you are a stamp collector- I’ve been an avid collector since the
age of 12 !- you may believe that Earth Day began in 1999 because it was
officially recognized by the U.S. postal service that year when Celebrate the Century pane commemoratives
were issued specifically for collectors highlighting the most memorable dates
and events of each decade of the 20th century beginning with the
1990s. That 33 cent Earth Day stamp wasn’t the first commemorative on the
subject, however, because another one page set came out before that in 1995 in
a series called Kids Care about the
Environment. The 1995 stamp for Earth Day shows our big blue marble in
space taking a bath and was very popular at that time.
However,
the first Earth Day officially celebrated in America was on April 22, 1970 as
the so-called brainchild of Wisconsin Senator, Gaylord Nelson. 20,000,000
United States citizens participated in that first event and it was publicized
that it was the biggest overall nationwide street demonstration since the end
of World War II and has been celebrated, one way or another, since that
original date. Those aren’t the only ecological U.S. stamps but they were the most
popular.
While we’re on the subject, I wanted to make you aware that there are
many ways to seriously get involved in earth-conscious efforts toward good ecology
and I urge you to get out there and see what you can contribute. Most
activities are also lots of fun so you can celebrate like a regular holiday
while doing something kind to mother Earth. Set an example- get involved! Make
up your own ways to improve our environment. You’ll be glad you did and the
Earth will thank you, as well.
Happy Earth Day !
The Castle Lady
