From the first-day ceremony at WQED’s Fred Rogers Studio in Pittsburgh. Photos courtesy of the USPS: The unveiling of the stamp. Video grab from USPS video. After the unveiling, left to right: James R. Okonak, Executive Director McFeely-Rogers Foundation; Joseph Negri, Adjunct Professor Jazz Guitar, Mary Pappert School of Music, Duquesne University, and “Handyman Negri” and the proprietor of Negri’s Music Store in Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood; Joanne Rogers, wife of Fred Rogers; former Postmaster General Patrick Donahue with his granddaughters, Charlotte and Lucy Donahoe; Meagan J. Brennan, current Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer, United States Postal Service with her nieces Jamie and Jenna Masten; Master of Ceremonies Rick Sebak, WQED Multimedia; Jim Cunningham, Artistic Director, WQED-FM; Paul Siefken, President and CEO, The Fred Rogers Company. Photo by Daniel Afzal of the USPS.
Joseph Negri, adjunct professor of Jazz Guitar, at the Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University plays the National Anthem. The presentation of Colors by University of Pittsburgh Three Rivers Battalion, Army ROTC Color Guard. Photo by Daniel Afzal of the USPS.Joanne Rogers, Fred’s widow. Photo by Daniel Afzal of the USPS.
Jim Cunningham, Artistic Director, WQED-FM. Photo by Daniel Afzal of the USPS.Paul Siefken, President and CEO, The Fred Rogers Company. Photo by Daniel Afzal of the USPS.
From the USPS press release: ”We are proud to celebrate the enduring impact of Fred Rogers and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood with this new stamp from the United States Postal Service,” said Siefken. “Fred Rogers left an indelible mark on generations of young audiences through his groundbreaking series, and his timeless wisdom and important messages of inclusion and neighborliness remain just as relevant today as they were 50 years ago.”
James R. Okonak, Executive Director, McFeely-Rogers Foundation. Photo by Daniel Afzal of the USPS.Postmaster General Megan Brennan. Video grab from USPS video.The audience, including students from the Fanny Edel Falk Laboratory School at the University of Pittsburgh, watch the tribute video during the ceremony. Photo by Daniel Afzal of the USPS.The autograph line after the cerremony. Second from left is Jay Bigalke, editor-in-chief of Linn’s Stamp News, and third from left is Foster Miller, membership chairman of the American First Day Cover Society. Photo by Daniel Afzal of the USPS.Postmaster General Brennan signs an autograph for a young girl. Video grab from USPS video. David “Mr. McFeely” Newell signs an autograph. Video grab from USPS video.A boy decides which Mister Rogers Stamp collectibles he wants. Video grab from USPS video. A postal clerk bags some purchases. Video grab from USPS video. Video grab from USPS video. Video grab from USPS video. Video grab from USPS video.The entrance to the Mister Rogers Studio at WQED. Video grab from USPS video.
I watched the USPS First Day of Issue Ceremony live. Walt Seng, who is a friend of mine, is the photographer/artist whose photo of Mr. Fred Rogers holding King Friday XIII is the basis for the stamp that was dedicated. I was expecting to see Walt up on the stage as part of the ceremony and receiving some of the honor. But, he was not included in the filmed ceremony. Why did the Postal Service neglect having him up there? Walt has a bit of a story to tell about the photo and much more to say about his work photographing Mr. Fred Rogers back in the day and should have up on the stage sharing in the honor.