1997 32c Bugs Bunny, Yosemite Sam cachet

1997 Bugs Bunny
First Day Cover with Yosemite Sam

The Bugs Bunny stamp was issued in conjunction with a campaign to launch the U.S.P.S.'s "Stampers" program. As the official mascot of Stampers, it was hoped the animated character would help revive youth interest in the hobby of stamp collecting. A full-color, 12-page magazine was made available through the U.S.P.S. Philatelic Fulfillment Service Center for a limited time, as part of the Stampers program.

Since his big-screen debut in 1940, Bugs Bunny and his trademark greeting, “Eh, what’s up, Doc?” have become fixtures of American popular culture. Best known for his uproarious performances in Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodie cartoons, Bugs also appeared in newspaper comics, comic books, and children’s books.

The cachet on the First Day Cover pictures the grouchy, rabbit hating Yosemite Sam. He was first introduced in 1945 in the “Hare Trigger” cartoon and was known for his red hair, huge mustache, and bad temper. Bugs Bunny could always get under his skin, then Sam would say, “Ooooooh! I hate that rabbit!” Many people close to creator Friz Freleng feel he based Yosemite Sam on himself. He was short, had red hair and was known for his quick temper.