#717 - 2¢ Arbor Day: Plate Block - carmine rose

The 60th anniversary of the first Arbor Day and the 100th anniversary of the birth of J. Sterling Morton founder of Arbor Day. Originally designated a Nebraska state holiday in 1872 to plant trees, when an estimated 1 million trees were planted. It is now an unofficial holiday celebrated throughout the world. This was one of the first U.S. stamps to show identifiable living Americans, the children of the Director of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and was the last stamp issued at the 2¢ letter rate. Scott 717 2¢ Arbor Day