STEVENS POINT, Wis., USA, August 9, 2007 – Stora Enso has joined the United States Postal Service (USPS) in celebrating the 30th anniversary of the opening of Star Wars with the recently unveiled Star Wars stamps. Stevens Point Mill supplied OptiLabel Stamp face paper and LumiSil Stamp release liner for the 15 commemorative Star Wars stamps.
The Star Wars collector’s sheet bears the images of characters from all six episodes: Luke Skywalker; Han Solo and Chewbacca; Princess Leia Organa with R2-D2; C-3PO; Yoda; Queen Padme Amidala; Obi-Wan Kenobi, Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, Darth Maul; Imperial Stormtroopers, Boba Fett; the Millennium Falcon; and an X-wing Fighter.
The USPS also invited America to vote for the most popular character to feature on the only Star Wars stamp that will be available for individual sale. The voting developed into a classic battle of good vs. evil, between Yoda and Darth Vader. In the end, good prevailed: The Yoda stamp will be available this fall … also printed on Stora Enso papers.
Star Wars debuted at only 32 U.S. movie theaters on May 25, 1977. After its small opening, the movie quickly became an icon as the characters and the words “May the force be with you” became part of American culture. Written and directed by George Lucas, the film won seven Academy Awards, and was followed by two sequels and three prequels.
The commemorative set of 15 Star Wars stamps is currently available for $6.15 through the USPS.