The US Postal Service announced, Mar. 11, a new stamp honoring the heroes of September 11, 2001:

Today’s unveiling marked both the six-month anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and the start date for the production of 205 million Heroes of 2001 stamps.

“The Postal Service is proud to honor the men and women who gave their all in the rescue efforts following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11,” said [Postmaster General John] Potter. “Sadly, many of these true American heroes paid the ultimate sacrifice. We hope this stamp will be a lasting tribute to them and a testimony to the spirit and resolve of our great country.”

Also participating in the unveiling ceremony were firefighters William Eisengrein, George Johnson and Daniel McWilliams and photographer Thomas E. Franklin. Eisengrein, Johnson and McWilliams participated in rescue efforts in New York City. Franklin, a staff photographer for The Record in Bergen County, N.J., took the now famous photograph of the three firefighters as they raised the U.S. flag at “ground zero.”