U.S. #1077 was issued to emphasize the importance of wildlife conservation in America. It was the first of three stamps with a similar theme; each one showing a different species. This stamp showcases wild turkeys, the largest and fastest of the game birds. It was issued at the convention of the Wisconsin Federation of Stamp Clubs, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. The Wild Turkey – Symbol of America? The turkey was proposed by Benjamin Franklin as the national symbol of America. In a letter to his daughter, he wrote, “For my own part I wish the Eagle had not been chosen the representative of our country. He is a bird of bad moral character. He does not get his living honestly…The turkey is a much more respectable bird, and…a true original native of America…He is besides, though a little vain and silly, a bird of courage, and would not hesitate to attack a grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his farm yard with a red coat on.”