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Anti-Cupid? USPS to shutter Valentine post office

Special Valentine postmark may live on after closure

Published On: Feb 13 2012 10:47:53 AM CST  Updated On: Feb 13 2012 12:53:54 PM CST
Love letter

Romantics around the world are disheartened after the U.S. Postal Service announced it may close down a post office in Valentine, Texas -- home of a special Valentine's Day postmark -- due to downsizing and budget cuts.

For decades, the small post office in West Texas has used a unique Valentine postmark, designed each year by an area student, to stamp on mail that passes through its doors. This year the design features a sunset, large hearts and the words "Love Sta. 79854," the San Antonio Express-News reported.

According to the publication, the postmarks are sought after by collectors and the romantically inclined, with more than 20,000 estimated to be stamped in 2012, and more than 500,000 processed over the last 30 years.

"I take a lot of pride in this. I think Valentine is really special," said longtime Valentine Postmaster Maria Carrasco. "Canada is the most prominent foreign country. Africa surprised me when I saw it for the first time," she told the newspaper.

A USPS representative told the newspaper that the process of closing small rural post offices has been temporarily suspended, so there may be hope for cupid's post office. However, the USPS said special arrangements may also be made to continue offering the Valentine postmark, should the office be closed down.

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