Celebrate Scouting a Huge Success at Rock the Mall

Thank you to everyone who helped us Rock the Mall with over 200,000 Girl Scouts on Saturday as we dedicated the new Celebrate Scouting (Forever®) stamp on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

It was a sunny (and hot!) day in the nation’s capital, and we had a great time helping the Girl Scouts of the USA celebrate their 100th anniversary. Vice President and Managing Director of Global Business for the U.S. Postal Service Giselle Valera (who’s also a Girl Scout!) dedicated the stamp, leading the mass of over 200,000 people in a sing-along of “Let Us Show You the Scouting Stamp.”

The “sister” stamp to the 2010 Scouting stamp, Celebrate Scouting pays tribute to scouting organizations for the opportunities and pleasures they have provided millions of youths worldwide. Since the birth of the scouting movement more than a century ago, millions of youths have learned to find their way in the world with the skills and confidence they acquired through scouting. Some of the first scouting experiences provided opportunities to hike, camp, study first aid, and learn to tell time by the stars.

We had a wonderful time at Girl Scouts Rock the Mall, and were absolutely amazed at the turnout. We hope you’ll join us next time!

Our next event is the Miles Davis and Edith Piaf (Forever®) First Day of Issue ceremony tomorrow, June 12, at the Rubin Museum of Art in New York City.

Our philatelic summer is turning out to be everything we’d hoped for and more! Were you at Rock the Mall on Saturday? What was your favorite part of the event?

100 Years of Girl Scouting Memories

As the Celebrate Scouting First Day of Issue ceremony in Washington, D.C.—in conjunction with the Girl Scouts’ Rock the Mall event—on June 9 approaches, we want to hear from you!

What has being a Girl Scout meant to you? What’s the most important life lesson you learned as a Girl Scout? Do you have a scouting stamp collection or any images you want to share? We want to know about some of your favorite Girl Scout memories. Let us know in the comments!

Girl Scouts of the USA Celebrate 100 Years of Leadership

On March 12, 1912, Juliette Gordon Low made history when she formed the first U.S. Girl Guide troop in her hometown of Savannah, Georgia. With the help of her first 18 members, Low created the Girl Scouts of USA.

She brought together girls from all backgrounds, providing them with the knowledge and self-reliance to become successful professional women in addition to traditional homemakers. Low’s inclusion of any girl—despite disabilities she may have—was groundbreaking at the time.

In the century since, Girl Scouts has helped educate and empower millions of women. The organization currently has more than 3.2 million members across the country. Its commitment to diversity and inclusion has made its 50 million American alumnae proud. Activities based in leadership and personal growth, as well as community outreach, have always set Girl Scouts apart.

Juliette Gordon Low received many posthumous honors and awards for her tremendous work with America’s youth. During World War II, a Liberty Ship was named in her honor—the SS Juliette Low—and launched in Savannah on March 12, 1944. President Ronald Reagan signed a bill on December 2, 1983 naming a federal building in Low’s hometown after her. In October 2005, Low was immortalized as part of the Extra Mile Points of Light Volunteer Pathway monument in Washington, D.C.

Because of the enormous reach of Girl Scouts’ goodwill, the nation celebrates its centennial today. The Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., is hosting Girl Scouts Rock the Mall this week with tours, history, exhibits, and interactive activities for all ages.

As a Brownie alumna, I especially understand the importance of Girl Scouts for young women. I learned a lot about myself and the world from the organization, and I’m proud to honor its 100 years of scouting legacy.