Washington ? Legends from entertainment and the arts, heroes of the battlefield, explorers who traveled the uncharted West and an author who delighted generations of children will have the honor of appearing on postage stamps next year.

The U.S. Postal Service also is coming out with two new stamps with a wedding theme as part of its 2004 commemorative stamp series to be made public today.

Stamps being issued in the first few months of the year include a special tribute to Pulitzer Prize-winning children’s author Theodor Seuss Geisel. The stamp, with a portrait of Dr. Seuss surrounded by the Cat in the Hat and other characters from his classic tales, will mark the 100th anniversary of his birth.

Also being released early in 2004 will be the 27th stamp in the Black Heritage series, which will honor actor, singer, civil rights advocate and athlete Paul Robeson.

There also will be a stamp paying tribute to Henry Mancini, composer of “Moon River,” music for the “Pink Panther” movies and many more movie hit songs.

Another favorite in the series, said David Failor, executive director of Stamp Services for the Postal Service, is a stamp to commemorate the bicentennial of the official launch of the Lewis and Clark expedition in May 1804.

“When you look at the stamp program, it’s really a reflection of America, who we are,” Failor said.