AUGUSTA -- Gov. John Baldacci and postal service officials unveiled a new Maine stamp Thursday that features the state flag and a moose.

The first-day-of-sale ceremony in the State House Hall of Flags marked Maine's participation in a new series that began last year and continues through 2012.

"The stamp hints at a fertile land, fresh air and wide-open spaces," said Dale Nunn, acting Augusta postmaster.

The Flags of Our Nation series began last year with postage honoring the U.S. flag and two series of state flags, beginning with Alabama and ending with Kansas. Eventually, all 50 state flags, five territories and the District of Columbia will be part of the series, according to the postal service.

Augusta City Council member Mark O'Brien said it's important to remember the letter carriers who do their jobs well and are often overlooked.

He also urged the public to write personal letters and use the new stamps. "Perhaps we can all resolve to spend a few moments today to make someone's day by penning a message to a friend, a relative or someone you admire and then topping it off with one of the new, beautiful Maine stamps," he said.

Representatives for U.S. Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins read statements of congratulations, and Baldacci said the state flag featured on the stamp stands for hardworking Mainers.

"We believe the symbol in this stamp and in the flag of the state of Maine represents all of those people," he said.

After the stamp was officially unveiled, the ceremony ended with Natasha Knight, whose father is a Madison letter carrier, singing the "State of Maine Song."

To see the Flags of Our Nation stamps, go to http://shop.usps.com. Click on "stamps," then "coils" to find them.

Susan Cover -- 620-7015

scover@centralmaine.com