United States Postal Service Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

Riverview Park, Sebastian, Florida
March 14, 2003 — 10:00 a.m.
Event Program

Centennial Selections
Sebastian River High School Band
Sebastian, Florida

Master of Ceremonies
Jack Hanna
Director Emeritus, Columbus Zoo
Member, Centennial Commission

A Moment in Time
James Foote
As President Theodore Roosevelt

Vocal Selections
Voices of Liberty
From the Walt Disney World Resort

Introductions
Jack Hanna

Presentation of Colors

Welcome
Dave Weldon, M.D.
U.S. Representative – 15th District of Florida

Pledge of Allegiance

National Anthemp
pMs. Jernie Talles

Remarks
Bill Nelson
United States Senator – Florida

Toni Jennings
Lieutenant Governor of Florida

Edmund Morris
Author and Biographer of Theodore Roosevelt

Henrietta Holsman Fore
Director, United States Mint

Craig Manson
Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish and Wildlife and Parks

Roy E. Disney
Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors
The Walt Disney Company
Link to speech

Steve Williams
Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Link to speech

Introduction
Peter G. Captain
District Manager, Central Florida, United States Postal Service

Stamp Dedication
Patrick R. Donahoe
Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President
United States Postal Service
Link to speech

Keynote Remarks
Gale A. Norton
Secretary of the Interior
Link to speech

Closing
Jack Hanna

A Celebration
Voices of Liberty
From the Walt Disney World Resort

 

The Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge postage stamp commemorates the centennial of the creation of the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, which also marks the beginning of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Established on March 14, 1903, by executive order of President Theodore Roosevelt, Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge was the first official wildlife refuge in the United States.

Today, in addition to the three acres of Pelican Island, the refuge also encompasses 5,377 acres consisting largely of submerged land, mangrove islands, marshes and maritime hammocks (raised, fertile areas usually occupied by hardwood vegetation).

The stamp features a photograph by James D. Brandt, M.D. of a brown pelican. The other North American species of pelican, the American white pelican, can be found within the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge during winter. Carl T. Herman was the art director for this stamp.