Download this report as an MP3 sound file.

How fleeting fame

The Stamp Collecting Report, I’m Lloyd de Vries

The U-S this year is issuing stamps honoring acting legends Gregory Peck and Helen Hayes, 
and Latin music's Carmen Miranda.

Who???

Well, if you’re of a certain age, you know who they are: Gregory Peck was one of the most 
popular movie stars of the mid-20th century. Helen Hayes was known as the First Lady of 
the Theater – she was America’s top stage actress.

And Carmen Miranda was a unique singer-actress and personality known as much for the fruit 
in her hats as her talent.

But if you’re in your 20s or younger, these great entertainers may mean nothing to you. 
Perhaps that’s why the Postal Service included Mexican-American singer Selena in its Latin 
Music Legends stamps along with Carmen Miranda. She was murdered at the height of her 
popularity in the 1990s.

Mention the four American Scientists to most people, and you’ll get a blank look. Hopefully, 
more will know who Mark Twain was.

It’s a balancing act for postal administrations: They want to honor people who made 
significant contributions…and they want to sell stamps.

Personally, I think waiting and gaining some perspective is good. Gregory Peck, Helen Hayes, 
Carmen Miranda....their work stands the test of time. And reminding us of that is a good 
thing.

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

----------------------------------------------------------
Go to Previous Report
Go to Next Report 

Go to Report Index