Senator Claude Pepper was honored by the United States Postal Service on September 7, 2000 with the issuance of a postage stamp bearing his image. The stamp was the second one released in the new Great Americans Series, recognizing the Senator's numerous contributions to his country and its people, especially the elderly. Pepper is the first Florida political leader to be featured on a postage stamp.
The stamp was dedicated at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on September 7, and in Tallahassee, Florida, on September 8, the 100th anniversary of Senator Pepper's birth.
The ceremony in Washington was attended by members of Congress, other dignitaries, friends and former staff. Rep. John Moakley, D-Mass., said he never forgot that his college education was made possible by the G.I. Bill of Rights that Pepper had supported. "Our country is a better place for having Claude Pepper as one of its leaders," said Moakley. Senator Bob Graham, D-Fl, noted that Pepper was "passionately devoted to people and the role of government to help meet their needs."
In Tallahassee, former Florida Governor Reubin Askew spoke to Pepper admirers of all ages packed into the Claude Pepper Center. "For 33 cents, you're looking into the eye of a man who looked after a nation, and its people. Many political foes tried to lick him. Well, now he's on a postage stamp, so they have their chance."
Also speaking during the Tallahassee event, Gema Hernandez, Secretary of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, paid tribute to Pepper. "Senator Pepper is a great American whose legacy will be felt many years in the future. The Department pays tribute to him as a champion of elders. He is a role model for all to age in a positive fashion with dignity."
The Pepper stamp is part of the Postal Service 2000 U.S. Stamp Program. In announcing the program earlier this year, Postmaster General William Henderson said, "The 2000 stamp program is a shining example of how commemorative stamps boldly chronicle American history in a way that is both interesting and education... These stamps will help bring pride and a little passion to that unique moment in everyone's day when we go through our mail."
