200 years stamp unveiled at bicentennial

Mississippi turns 200 years old and right now the party of the century is underway in Gulfport. News 25’s Gina Tomlinson spent the day at Centennial Plaza.
Centennial Plaza’s grounds were overflowing with Mississippi pride Friday morning, celebrating what makes the Magnolia State stand out in full bloom. Governor Phil Bryant said, “It’s beauty. It’s music. It’s food. It’s majesty, but more importantly it’s people.”
Young and old, from all walks of life, rallying to celebrate Mississippi’s milestone 200 year anniversary as a state. Nicholson Elementary School student Breanna B. said, “My favorite thing about Mississippi is you can never have too much fun.”
During the party, the U.S. Postal Service made a special delivery as state and local leaders unveiled the new forever bicentennial stamp for Mississippi, featuring a photograph that pays tribute to the many legendary Blues artists with roots in our state. Claudia Murphy with U.S. Postal Services said, “Mississippi traditionally is a very artistic state. It’s full of history and music. It’s fitting that a guitar is on the stamp.”
Not only does the stamp honor the day Mississippi became a state on December 10th, 1817, but it also shares a special meaning with those Mississippians who will be sending it out. “It’s symbolic of the struggles and the celebration that the Blues has become for the state of Mississippi,” said Governor Bryant.
And this is great place to start, as residents celebrate our history while looking forward to the next 200 years.