LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION urging the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee to
issue a Purple Heart Forever Stamp to honor all veterans who suffered
while bravely protecting our great Nation and State during times of war

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York and
the United States to recognize and acknowledge those within our midst
who have made significant sacrifices so that we, as citizens, can retain
the freedoms we so enjoy; and
WHEREAS, Individuals who have received the Purple Heart Medal have
truly made such sacrifices and merit a fitting tribute; and
WHEREAS, The Purple Heart was first established by General George
Washington on August 7, 1782, as the Badge of Military Merit; it is the
oldest military decoration in the world still in use; and
WHEREAS, Specifically a combat decoration, the Purple Heart is awarded
to members of the armed forces of the United States who are wounded by
an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy or posthumously to the
next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of
wounds received in action; and
WHEREAS, There are over 1,700,000 recipients of the Purple Heart; and
WHEREAS, The Purple Heart postage stamp was first issued by the United
States Postal Service on May 30, 2003; it honors the sacrifices of the
brave men and women of the armed forces who have been awarded the Purple
Heart; and
WHEREAS, The Postal Service began offering the forever stamp in the
Spring of 2007, at the 41-cent rate, which went into effect May 14,
2007; forever stamps can be used to mail a one ounce letter regardless
of when the stamps are purchased or used and no matter how prices may
change in the future; and
WHEREAS, There is only one forever stamp in circulation today, the
Liberty Bell Stamp; the Purple Heart Forever Stamp would be the second;
and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to express its gratitude to
those men and women who have served honorably in our United States Armed
Forces and who have been awarded the Purple Heart; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee be and hereby is
respectfully memorialized by this Legislative Body to issue a Purple
Heart Forever Stamp to honor all veterans who suffered while bravely
protecting our great Nation and State during times of war; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee.