A surgical stapler (10) including one or more visual indicators (13b,13c) is provided. The surgical stapler includes a body and a stapling assembly positioned at a distal portion of the body. The stapling assembly includes a cartridge assembly (20) and an anvil assembly (22). An alignment pin is mounted on the stapling assembly and configured to engage the anvil assembly. A visual indicator of engagement of the alignment pin with the anvil assembly, clamping and/or stapling is provided. The visual indicator may include an LED mounted on the body.