Put yourself in George Washington's cloak: March cartoon caption contest

By John M. Hotchner

“Washington at Prayer” is how the Scott catalog describes the design of the 1928 2¢ stamp commemorating the 150th anniversary of Washington’s encampment at Valley Forge, Pa. (Scott 645).

I would posit that such an image would likely be ineligible for picturing on a U.S. stamp today; unless the U.S. Postal Service was willing to risk lawsuits.

And yet, it is a compelling illustration, one that calls to mind the deep, widespread, and very public expressions of faith of yesteryear. With some trepidation, I want to use it for the cartoon caption contest for March.

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I selected this stamp not because it is inherently funny but because I suspect there is a lot of praying going on these days related to the current presidential festivities, the changes being wrought by the USPS that impact stamp collecting, our national security, and more.

This gives you the chance to wrap George Washington’s cloak about you and to cogitate upon what he might be thinking, saying, or praying about as he observes the current events we are dealing with.

There will be two prizes given: one for the best philatelic line, and one for the best nonphilatelic line.

The important thing is to use your sense of humor, because entries with a humorous twist have the best chance of winning a prize.

Put your entry (or entries) on a postcard if possible and send it to me, John Hotchner, Cartoon Contest, Box 1125, Falls Church, VA 22041-0125, or email it to jmhstamp@verizon.net. Be sure to include your mailing address.

For each winner, the prize will be the book Linn’s Stamp Identifier, published by Linn’s (a retail value of $12.99), or a 13-week subscription to Linn’s (a new subscription or an extension).

To be considered for the prizes, entries must reach me not later than March 25. 

Why not enter now, while you’re thinking about it?