Art of Disney-Friendship Stamp First Day of Issue Ceremony
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Art of Disney-Friendship
Stamp First Day of Issue Ceremony
Disneyland Resort, June 23, 2004, 10:00am
Stage in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle
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Despite the overcast skies, crowds gathered in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at the center of Disneyland Park to observe a singular honor. The United States Postal Service was dedicating a set of four new stamps, depicting the Art of Disney-Friendship. And what better place to honor those friendly Disney characters than in the middle of Walt Disney's own magic kingdom?
A hush settled over the crowd as the program opened with a salute to the flag. A lone drummer, dressed in a Confederate uniform, walked onto the stage, followed by an honor guard consisting of members of the Disneyland Resort and the Armed Forces.
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As the crowd stood at attention, an a cappella version of the Star Spangled Banner was performed by members of Groove 66. After the colors were ceremoniously carried off the stage, an announcer welcomed the CEO of the Walt Disney Company, Michael Eisner.
Eisner entered to the strains of "I Wanna Be Like You� from The Jungle Book. He welcomed the crowd, and expressed his delight at the day's event, saying, "On behalf of everyone who has ever loved the Disney characters, we want to thank the US Postal Service.� Eisner then went on to point out that it was fitting to celebrate this event in Disneyland, where the Walt Disney Company was preparing for its biggest celebration ever, in honor of the 50th birthday of the happiest place on earth.
But this day, Eisner said, was a celebration of friendship. "As we watch their finest, and even most challenging moments,� he said, "The art of friendship turns strangers into family.� Standing in front of a large depiction of the colorful stamps that served as the event's backdrop, he added, "The rare honor of being featured on a United States postage stamp is truly special for Disney. We are pleased that millions will have a chance to brighten their correspondence with Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck and other Disney friends.� Eisner then introduced Postmaster General of the United States, John Potter.
Disney CEO Michael Eisner
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