New York State Senator Mike Nozzolio has announced that the United States Postal Service will make the postage stamp commemorating the Purple Heart medal a “forever” stamp, ensuring that this reminder of the tremendous sacrifices made by our Nation’s servicemen and women will always continue in circulation.
“We have no greater obligation than to honor and thank our veterans for their service to our Nation. The Purple Heart Stamp is an important reflection of our pride and dedication to the men and women of our Armed Forces who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country,” said Senator Nozzolio. “I commend the Postal Service in recognizing the great importance of this stamp to our military heroes and their families.”
Senator Nozzolio strongly supported the campaign to create the Purple Heart Stamp to honor military heroes who have been wounded or killed while serving our Nation. Since the stamp was first issued in 2003, the price of a first class letter has changed several times, raising the possibility that the stamp could be discontinued. Senator Nozzolio repeatedly led successful efforts encouraging citizens to contact the U.S. Postal Service urging them to keep the stamp in circulation. Now, the Purple Heart’s new classification as a “Forever” stamp will ensure that it will always remain in use even if the price of stamps increases.
The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to members of the U.S. military who have been wounded or killed in action. According to the Military Order of the Purple Heart, an organization for combat-wounded veterans, the medal is the oldest military decoration in the world in present use.
“In fighting for freedom and peace, our veterans secured America’s greatness, a greatness that prevails today because of all our veterans’ tremendous collective sacrifice. The Purple Heart Stamp will now be a lasting tribute to the brave veterans who gave so much for our country,” concluded Nozzolio.
The U.S. Postal Service will officially unveil and issue the Purple Heart “Forever” stamp on May 5, 2011.
####
