The commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation now includes another participant: The United States Postal Service.

The Postal Service is issuing a limited-edition Emancipation Proclamation Forever Stamp during the anniversary celebration on Jan. 1, 2013 at the National Archives. The National Archives is housing the original Emancipation Proclamation document in its headquarters in Washington, D.C.

This new stamp is the first in a series of three that commemorates various aspects of the civil rights journey to be released by the Postal Service in 2013. The service said they are to recognize enduring moments of freedom, courage and equality in the civil rights movement.

Following the stamp unveiling at the National Archives, Bernice Johnson Reagon, a musician and scholar, will perform a dramatic reading of the Emancipation Proclamation. Also, the original document will be on display for a free and limited viewing.

BET National News - Keep up to date with breaking news stories from around the nation, including headlines from the hip hop and entertainment world. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. 

(Photo: Courtesy of the United States Postal Service)