US #5542
2020 Drug Free USA
• Intended to call attention to the dangers of drug abuse
Stamp Category: Commemorative
Value: 55¢ First Class Mail Rate (Forever)
First Day of Issue: October 27, 2020
First Day City: Washington, DC
Quantity Issued: 20,000,000
Printed by: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd.
Printing Method: Offset, Microprint
Format: Panes of 20
Tagging: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tag
Why the stamp was issued: To raise awareness of the dangers of recreational drug use in the United States.
About the stamp design: Pictures a white star with red, light blue, and blue lines radiating from each of the star’s five points. The USPS said the design suggests “the unity necessary at all levels to effectively address drug use.” Original artwork by Aaron Draplin.
First Day City: The First Day of Issue Ceremony was held virtually due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The First Day of Issue Cancellation was from Washington, DC.
History the stamp represents: Addictive drugs have been an issue in America since the 1800s. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was created in 1973 to enforce federal drug laws and better handle the government’s drug control activities.
Enrique “Kiki” Camarena joined the DEA in 1975 and became an undercover special agent. Camarena believed one person could make a difference, so he out to stop the supply of drugs coming into the United States. With over 400 Mexican authorities, he assisted in the destruction of the eight-billion-dollar Rancho Búfalo – a 2,500-acre marijuana farm.
Almost a year later, in 1985, Camarena was abducted, tortured, and killed. People in Camarena’s hometown soon started wearing red ribbons to honor him and show their opposition to drugs. The Red Ribbon Campaign was sponsored in 1988 by the National Family Partnership to continue the crusade against drugs. Since then, the Red Ribbon Campaign has worked with communities, families, and schools to educate and promote drug-free lives.
In 2020, the USPS released a Drug Free USA Forever stamp during Red Ribbon week. Those who wear a red ribbon during October not only pledge to live drug free, but honor those who have lost their lives in the heroic fight against drugs.