"ICA is in full support of any program that recognizes the value of chiropractic and its heritage," said the association's executive director, Ron Hedrickson. "This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase Dr. B.J. Palmer, one of chiropractic's most important pioneers."
"I believe that a chiropractic stamp would be an ideal way to recognize the role of chiropractic in this country," observed ACA President James Mertz,DC, in his letter to the CSAC. "I have personally witnessed the tremendous growth of interest in this unique, drug-free health system, which is often more effective and less costly than medical care," Dr. Mertz added.
There have been a number of attempts by the chiropractic profession to get a chiropractic stamp in circulation, most recently during the Chiropractic Centennial Celebration in 1995. While the U.S. Postal Service stamped out chiropractic's efforts, the Canadian Chiropractic Association, with persistence and an information campaign involving doctors, patients, members of parliament, the senate and the media, convinced Canada Post to reconsider its decision not to grant commemorative stamps for 1995. Canada Post released to the public, beginning on September 15, 1995, stamps commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, the 100th anniversary of the chiropractic profession, and the 150th anniversary of the birth of D.D. Palmer.
In the U.S., the prospect for a chiropractic postage stamp is a daunting challenge, as each year the U.S. Postal Service receives submissions for approximately 40,000 stamps. The 15-member CSAC meets four times a year in Washington, D.C. to consider the proposals, but chooses to issue only 30-35 commemorative stamps each year.
In selecting which stamp to issue, the CSAC generally looks for subject matter of national interest, and takes into account the number of supporting letters the stamps generates. To catch the CSAC's attention takes receiving hundreds or thousands of letters over an extended time.
There are several ways for you to get involved to help make a chiropractic postage stamp a reality:
- Friends, family, staff members and patients can send postcards with a printed message of support for the chiropractic stamp. These are available to any U.S. doctor of chiropractic by calling 516-829-8578, or by emailing
. - You can write the committee directly in support of a chiropractic stamp. Send letters to:
Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee
U.S. Postal Service
Stamp Development, Room 5670
475 L'Enfant Plaza SW
Washington, DC 20260-2437
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