International Peace Forever Stamp 2026
The U.S. Postal Service celebrates the universal aspiration for harmony and understanding with a new stamp featuring an origami crane, an internationally recognized symbol of peace.
The connection between the origami crane and the pursuit of peace traces back to the story of Sadako Sasaki, who became one of the most enduring figures associated with this symbol. Sadako was only two years old when she was exposed to radiation from the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. Nearly a decade later, at the age of 12, she was diagnosed with leukemia in February 1955.
During her hospitalization, Sadako began folding traditional Japanese paper cranes, known as *orizuru*. In Japanese culture, cranes have long represented longevity and hope, based on the belief that these legendary birds live for 1,000 years. The tradition of creating a senbazuru a collection of 1,000 folded cranes is said to bring good fortune and fulfill a wish for those who complete it. Sadako continued folding cranes throughout her illness until her death on October 25, 1955. Her story transformed the origami crane into a lasting emblem of peace and a reminder of the human desire for a world without conflict.
For the stamp artwork, artist Sue DiCicco, founder of the Peace Crane Project, created the origami crane featured in the design. Photographer Sally Andersen-Bruce captured the image of the folded crane after collaborating with USPS art director Antonio Alcal on previous Lunar New Year stamp projects released in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Although the final stamp design appears simple and elegant, its creation required careful artistic decisions. Alcal explained that after the crane was photographed, adjustments were made to the shadows to create the impression that the paper bird was soaring through the air. Another challenge involved positioning the lettering around the crane so that the design remained balanced, natural, and effective within the limited space of a postage stamp.
According to Alcal, the message behind the stamp is especially meaningful because it allows people to share a symbol of peace through everyday correspondence. The stamp represents a hope shared across cultures and generations the desire for a more peaceful world.
The International Peace stamp is issued as a Forever stamp in panes of 20. This Forever stamp will always maintain the same value as the current First-Class Mail one-ounce postage rate.
