WASHINGTON, April 2001 — Who doesn't like receiving a greeting card or handwritten letter in the mail? The U.S. Postal Service announced it is attempting to establish a world record to prove that, even in the age of electronic communications and the Internet, the art of card and letter writing is still relevant and a tradition worth keeping.

The record setting attempt is called "Birthday Wishes to America," which kicks off April as National Card and Letter Writing Month and will help celebrate the United States' 225th birthday on July 4, 2001. "This is an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance and historical significance of letter writing," said Postmaster General and CEO William J. Henderson.

"Writing, sending and receiving cards and letters is a tradition that has preserved our nation's history and changed lives—particularly in times of war and times of personal triumph and tragedy. Unlike other communications, card and letter writing is timeless, personal and immediately tangible," he said.

To help improve literacy and promote creativity among the nation's youth, the Postal Service is encouraging hundreds of elementary schools across the country to participate in Birthday Wishes to America. Students are designing and writing birthday wishes that reveal their personal feelings and hopes for their country. Teachers are assisting the students by using a brief curriculum on letter writing developed by the Smithsonian Institution's National Postal Museum.

Everyone is welcome to join the fun by sending their own birthday wishes to America. All wishes should be sent to the National Postal Museum at the following address:

BIRTHDAY WISHES TO AMERICA
C/O THE NATIONAL POSTAL MUSEUM
PO BOX 44100
WASHINGTON DC 20026-4100

All birthday wishes must be received by July 4, 2001.

Besides helping to ensure that the art of card and letter writing continues to have a place of honor in American culture, participants also can help establish a world record for letter writing. The Postal Service is attempting to set a world record for the most birthday wishes ever received by one addressee.

On or near July 4, 2001, the Postal Service will announce the results and publicize some of the more interesting, creative and well-written birthday wishes. In addition, the National Postal Museum will highlight some of the birthday wishes in an exhibit that will be displayed during the project.