The AMBER Alert Stamp

The USPS is known for drawing attention to important social causes when they create stamps. Issued in 2006, the Amber Alert stamp was developed to honor a program dedicated to the rapid recovery of abducted children. AMBER stands for America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response.

The program is named after Amber Hagerman. At the young age of nine years old, she was abducted and tragically murdered in Arlington, Texas. The program is set up for law enforcement officials to issue an “AMBER Alert” when they have information that a child has been abducted and is imminent danger of serious injury or death. Descriptions of the victim and the circumstances surrounding the disappearance are then forwarded to area television, text messaging systems, and radio stations. They will in turn activate their Emergency Alert System so that the general public is aware of the situation and can help by keeping a watchful eye and assisting law enforcement officials.

Since 2005, all 50 states are now participating in a national alert system that is coordinated by the United States Department of Justice. Canada has now set up a similar system. There are strict guidelines that must be followed before issuing an AMBER Alert. AMBER alerts have aided in the recovery of hundreds of children nationwide.

This stamp features an illustration of a happy mother and child embracing each other.