{"product_id":"american-glass-1981-first-day-cover-artistry-in-glassmaking","title":"U.S. 1981 Blinded Veterans 18¢ First Day Cover – Arlington, VA (August 13, 1981)","description":"\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis is an \u003cstrong\u003eOfficial First Day Cover (FDC)\u003c\/strong\u003e from the \u003cstrong\u003eUnited States\u003c\/strong\u003e, issued on \u003cstrong\u003eAugust 13, 1981\u003c\/strong\u003e, for the \u003cstrong\u003e18¢ Blinded Veterans\u003c\/strong\u003e commemorative stamp (Scott #1914), part of the efforts to honor and support veterans with disabilities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe stamp depicts a blind veteran (wearing sunglasses) seated at a table, learning Braille with the guidance of a sighted instructor (in uniform), symbolizing rehabilitation and independence. Inscribed \"USA 18¢\" with no additional text on the stamp itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe cover features a poignant, colorful cachet (signed Jim Butcher \/ J. Butcher) showing:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA large raised hand with Braille dots (a b c d e ... etc.) overlaid as a background element.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe veteran and instructor working together on Braille reading.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eText: \"Remember the Blinded Veteran\" in blue at the top right, and at the bottom: \u003cstrong\u003e\"Blinded Veterans\"\u003c\/strong\u003e \"The Veterans Administration's rehabilitation centers help veterans overcome a tragic loss.\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003ePostmarked with a circular cancel from \u003cstrong\u003eArlington, Virginia\u003c\/strong\u003e (ZIP 22210, near the Veterans Administration headquarters), dated \u003cstrong\u003eAUG 13 1981\u003c\/strong\u003e, with \"FIRST DAY OF ISSUE\" in the killer bars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe stamp and FDC highlight the work of the VA's blind rehabilitation programs, emphasizing training in Braille, mobility, daily living skills, and technology to help blinded veterans achieve independence after service-related vision loss. Issued during a period of increased awareness for veterans' issues post-Vietnam era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003ePopular with collectors for its emotional theme, veteran support message, realistic artwork, and Arlington (VA) cancellation tie-in.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maple Springs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51012588208292,"sku":null,"price":4.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0580\/4713\/5908\/files\/05092025_023.jpg?v=1748982389","url":"https:\/\/fdc-vault.com\/products\/american-glass-1981-first-day-cover-artistry-in-glassmaking","provider":"Maple Springs - FDC Vault","version":"1.0","type":"link"}