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Game of the States

The Stamp Collecting Report, I'm Lloyd de Vries.

South Carolina collector Chris Lazaroff achieved a milestone recently.

“What I did was, I attended a first day ceremony in all 50 states, and yes, I’m the first
person to have ever done that.” RUNS :07

A first day ceremony is an event held when a new stamp is issued, in a city or location
specially designated by the U-S Postal Service.

Lazaroff’s first such ceremony was in 1982, but he got serious about his quest in 1989.

“Northwest Airlines ran a promotion called ‘One Two Free,’ where you fly twice, you get a
free ticket.” RUNS :05

And Lazaroff was off and running. At first, it was easy checking off the states, but some
were difficult.

“Delaware I went to in 2014. The last time they had a first-day ceremony was 1989.”
RUNS :05

Sometimes, as with Delaware, Lazaroff lent a helping hand.

“I have helped arrange and put on first day of issue and first day of sale ceremonies
to get a couple of the states that I wanted knocked off.” RUNS :07

Now, it’s on to the territories and….

“When we finally admit our 51st state, the Postal Service I know will have a stamp for
that in that state. I will be there.” RUNS :06

I’m Lloyd de Vries of The Virtual Stamp Club. For more on stamps and stamp collecting,
visit virtual-stamp-club-dot-com.


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