Environmentalists on stamps

Today marks the 88th birthday of legendary folk singer and environmentalist Pete Seeger.

Born on May 3, 1919, Seeger was the son of a musicologist and a musician.

Seeger left Harvard university in 1938 and travelled throughout the United States studying music and learning from other folk singers such as Woody Guthrie.

In 1940, Seeger organized the Almanac Singers, and in 1948 he formed the Weavers. Both groups, along with Seeger, are credited with revitalizing folk music and increasing its popularity.

A leftist activist who was blacklisted and charged with contempt of Congress; Seeger has supported a variety of civil-rights, antiwar, environmental, and other causes.

Shown above is a miniature sheet from Palau (a group of islands in the North Pacific Ocean, southeast of the Philippines) honoring Seeger and his efforts to clean up New York's Hudson River.

In August 1997, Palau issued three souvenir sheets commemorating vessels of the sea. Two of the sheets honored the late Jacques Costeau, and the third featured Pete Seeger in recognition of his work on the Clearwater.

Happy Birthday Pete!

For more environmentalists on stamps,click here.