Beyond Words

In a world of cell phones, social media, and constant communication with someone if you choose, the lost art of letter writing has evaporated. Yeah, our phones and posts keep us in touch with those we maybe wouldn’t otherwise, but should it all come as a sacrifice?

I’m a big fan of letter writing. It must be the writer in me but I Iove sending letters and cards and relish receiving one from a friend. I have one long-time friend who lives in California who I can rely on for this, and another in North Carolina who still to this day mails be a birthday card. Sadly, this list of those who do so is dwindling. And don’t even get me started on the ever-growing lack of people actually mailing thank you cards.

The U.S. Postal Service and none other than legendary designer Ralph Lauren are hoping to inspire people to place a stamp on an envelope and mail it away. And they are not just any stamps. It’s called “The American Icons” collection and was auspiciously timed to coincide with our country’s 250^th birthday. It’s also the first time ever that USPS has collaborated with a living person. Who better to parade (excuse the pun!) America and all its beauty than the All-American designer himself? The results are as classic as him.

Each of the 13 stamps in the collection commemorates an American value and I’m guessing will surely be collector’s items and in many a stamp collection.

Featuring 13 photographs selected from Ralph Lauren’s archive and from visuals that have inspired him and that reflect the unique fabric of the nation, representing freedom, independence, equality, opportunity and the pursuit of happiness. The designs include:

• The American Flag, our standard for freedom, resilience, unity, and bravery.
• The Baseball Glove, used by Jackie Robinson is an enduring symbol of equality, teamwork, and perseverance.
• The Pickup Truck, worn and weathered, evokes the honesty of hard work.
• The Faithful Dog, always steadfast in loyalty and trust.
• The Empire State Building stands tall as a landmark of possibility and ingenuity.
• The Barn, forever a metaphor for utility, purpose, and community.
• The Diné (Navajo) Blanket, woven by Naiomi Glasses, celebrates the beauty of traditional artistry.
• The Teddy Bear represents compassion, kindness, and comfort.
• The Lighthouse shines as a beacon of guidance, hope, and optimism.
• The Hamburger, a centerpiece of the American family cookout and the celebrations that unite us.
• The Racing Sailboat captures the passionate energy of competition.
• The Horses, running wild, embody the spirit of independence and the freedom we all strive for.

How beautiful is all that, right? Symbols of teamwork, possibility, hope, independence, hard work, loyalty, trust, compassion, family, freedom, community and so much more. What’s not to love? I for one will be hopefully getting my hands on some.

The collection is available in select boutiques and at post offices nationwide and as Forever stamps, they will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price. They come in sheets of all 13 and feature the “American Icons” title and “Forever” and “USA” in white text in the upper left or upper right corners. In the center of the stamp pane, surrounded by blue denim and framed by the other 12 stamps, a 13th stamp shows a knit flag designed by Ralph Lauren with text that reads “1776 to 2026.” The text at the top of the grouping reads “American Icons curated by Ralph Lauren” and the bottom row reads “Celebrating 250 Years of the United States of America.”

And there’s more. Inspired by the artistry of the American Icons collection, the 2026 U.S. flag stamp will feature a detailed photograph of a knitted interpretation of the American flag taken from Ralph Lauren’s iconic flag sweater. One of the most enduring and widely used stamps in the US postal system, it will be available in panes, booklets, and coils in a smaller, definitive format for widespread mail use.

Accompanying merchandise is also available, including a polo tee, baseball cap, and flag sweater mirroring Lauren’s staple of American fashion since 1989. All of it is in support of an institution that is actually older than the USA itself. Many don’t realize that the USPS was founded in 1775 and Benjamin Franklin was its first postmaster general.

You could…and should…call it the perfect marriage of commerce and style, as for nearly 60 years Ralph Lauren has influenced American style with his enduring creative vision that is deeply rooted in the tapestry of American heritage, landscapes, cultures, and artistry. What’s more iconic than the Ralph Lauren Polo?

 A 2025 recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Lauren is a testament to the boundless possibilities of creativity, determination, and the American dream all while ultimately building one of the most iconic global lifestyle brands. As much as I love his style, I also love that throughout his life, Lauren has been dedicated to protecting and preserving America’s cultural traditions, most notably the 1813 flag that inspired our nation’s national anthem.

Lauren has also designed USA Olympic Team’s Opening and Closing Ceremonies uniforms, which is another match made in design heaven. The 2026 Winter Games in Cortina was Lauren’s 10th consecutive Games outfitting Team USA – a legacy built over nearly two decades of dressing the nation’s finest athletes for the pinnacle of sport.

He personifies the American dream both professionally and personally in so many ways. What’s more iconic than the Ralph Lauren Polo anything and the fact that he and his wife Ricky have been married since 1964 and have raised three kids who have stayed somewhat out of the limelight and out of trouble.

“I love America and these images symbolize the many ideals and aspirations that bind us together,” Lauren said in a statement. “They are icons of our country-authentic, timeless, and passed on through generations-and reflect the dream of a better life that has always inspired me.”

Very inspiring indeed Mr. Lauren and thanks for the patriotism and being so pivotal in celebrating the land that we love. Now off to find me some American Icons stamps.