The U.S. Postal Service issued the Arnold Palmer Commemorative Forever stamp today to honor the iconic golfer (1929–2016) who rose from humble beginnings to become a champion. The stamp dedication ceremony took place at the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge.
“Arnold Palmer was not only a great American, but also a great golfer. Mr. Palmer was a transformative figure in the game of golf. He made it happen with his charisma, his personality and his rivalries with other golf greats,” said Roman Martinez IV, U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors. “But beyond golf, Arnold was really a great man. He had great character; he was a philanthropist and a great businessman. He was the perfect role model.”
The stamp features James Drake’s action photograph of Palmer at the 1964 U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, MD. Palmer’s name appears in the top left corner and the words “Forever” and “USA” are printed along the bottom of the left edge. Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamp.
Sam Saunders, PGA Tour Pro and Arnold Palmer’s grandson, and Amy Saunders, Palmer’s daughter and chair of the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation, joined Martinez in the ceremony, along with Golf Channel host Rich Lerner. “To have my father celebrated in this way is a true honor,” said Amy Saunders. “It’s something I think he would be proud of as both an individual and as an American, and it’s a wonderful way to preserve his legacy.”
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Photo Credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com