Add a Blaze to Your Stamp Collection

It must take a lot to strap on all that gear, jump onto the speeding truck that could lead to your potential death, and then charge into a roaring fire, with only hope to will yourself to search for those lost, frightened souls. This is the daily job of the firefighters of the world, who are, quite possibly, the bravest people on Earth. To take on that kind of self sacrifice is, at once, the most noble, and the most dangerous thing anyone could do. While the average Joe sits at his kitchen table in the morning, grunting over a cold cup of coffee and marveling at a glance at an article in the paper about seven people saved from a house fire, these men and women live these stories and live them proudly, without any hesitation. With the dangers and threats that come with society in our day and age, there could not be enough of these courageous individuals.

Despite the great works these brave people do to serve our communities, unfortunately, their faces often fade away with the smoke. Take the initiative to give some more-than-earned recognition to the heroes of society, to the supermen and wonder women of our time. Let them shine on your letters, and let them not be forgotten. Purchase your set of firefighting saviors, today.

Rotary International Marks 100+ Years of Service

Serving the world for just over a century, Rotary International is an international organization of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service around the world, building goodwill and peace in the process. Approximately 1.2 million strong, Rotarians are active in more than 200 countries.

The recipient of numerous Rotary International projects, Kenya celebrated the organization's centennial by issuing this four-value stamp set in 2005. Colorfully drawn, each stamp depicts a different aspect of Rotary service; click the post title to order from County Stamp Center.

The world's first service club, Rotary International grew from a small group of Chicago, Illinois professionals to encompass the globe by 1921. The Rotary Club of Chicago was initiated on February 23, 1905 by attorney Paul Harris who wanted to recapture the helpful small town spirit of his youth. The group's name comes from the early practice of rotating meetings at members' offices. Initially a professional organization, Rotarians soon started pooling resources to provide hands-on help to communities in need. Service Above Self became the organization's motto and guiding principle.

Visit the County Stamp Center website to view thousands of stamps on every imaginable subject. County Stamp Center puts the stamp world at your fingertips.

Stamps Honor Dedication of Nurses

Nurses succor the sick and tend the ill, healing, comforting and consoling. This is National Nurses Week, a nice time to say thank you to a nurse who has touched your life or the life of someone you love. A framed stamp is a unique way to express your gratitude. The stamp pictured celebrates the 140th anniversary of the International Red Cross with a portrayal of its most tireless workers -- nurses. Click the post title to order.

Florence Nightingale was the mother of modern nursing. Born in Florence, Italy in 1820 into a wealthy British family, she was named for the city of her birth. Her decision to become a nurse shocked her family. At the time nursing was a role filled by poorer women and those of dubious reputation who followed the armies. A well-brought-up woman like Miss Nightingale was expected to marry and have children, not pursue a career, particularly one of such poor repute. But Florence felt she had a divine calling to care for the poor and indigent and became a leading advocate for improved medical care and a pioneer in modern medical techniques.

I've always thought that nurses must have hearts that are just a bit bigger than normal. Every nurse I've ever met has had the patience of a saint, the compassion of a mother, and the stamina of Atlas. They may not carry the weight of the world on their shoulders, but they certainly carry more than their share. We at County Stamp Center salute and thank the nurses of the world and wish them well.