At a ceremony in Honolulu on Dec. 29, Postmaster General John E. Potter gave a preview of the Lunar New Year Commemorative Stamps Souvenir Sheet, the grand finale of the Lunar New Year stamp series, to be available in 2005.

The Lunar New Year Commemorative Stamp Souvenir Sheet is a stunning compilation of the Lunar New Year stamps -- from the Year of the Rooster (1992) through the Year of the Monkey (to be issued Jan. 13, 2004) -- displayed on a bed of bright orange. The words "Happy New Year" are found in English across the top of the Souvenir Sheet, and the words "Lunar New Year" are displayed in grass-style Chinese calligraphy down the left side.

"It has been a great honor for us to celebrate the twelve years of the Zodiac with the remarkable stamps designed by artist Clarence Lee," said Potter. "The rich, multi-cultural heritage of Asian-Americans contributes substantially to America, and is an important and fascinating part of the history of our comparatively young nation."

The Souvenir Sheet won't go on sale until 2005. But each of Lee's animal stamps have been sold annually at the beginning of each lunar year since the series began in 1992 with the Year of the Rooster, and 2004 won't be any different. The Year of The Monkey stamp will be issued Jan. 13.

Last night, during a ceremony at the East-West Center at the University of Hawai'i-Manoa, Stamp designer Clarence Lee said he considered the stamps a tribute not only to his father and other Chinese immigrants, but to immigrants of all nationalities who built the country and gave it its diverse character.

He also took the opportunity to thank his parents, who supported him in his pursuit of his art from childhood through college, even though most of his peers were encouraged to pursue more "serious" occupations.

"It was very uncommon for a Chinese immigrant's son to pursue a career in art," he said. "I think that helped when I was chosen for this project. There are very few Chinese artists in my generation."

(Agencies)