LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION expressing appreciation to the U.S. Postal
Service upon the occasion of its announcement of the classification of
the Purple Heart postage stamp as a Forever Stamp

WHEREAS, An effort to honor military heroes that began in the New York
State Senate 11 years ago, in January 2000, has resulted in the U.S.
Postal Service announcing that the Purple Heart postage stamp has been
classified as a Forever Stamp, ensuring that it will continue in circu-
lation; and
WHEREAS, After a massive letter writing effort by the Military Order
of the Purple Heart and other veterans organizations, the Purple Heart
stamp was first issued in 2003; and
WHEREAS, Since that time, in order to ensure the stamp would continue,
a letter writing effort to continue the Purple Heart stamp had to be
conducted each time the price of a first class letter changed; and
WHEREAS, The new classification as a Forever Stamp means that the
Purple Heart postage stamp will continue in circulation; that supporters
will no longer need to advocate to maintain it each time the price of
stamps increases; and that the stamp will forevermore serve as a remind-
er of the tremendous sacrifices American young men and women have made,
and continue to make, on behalf of our great nation; and
WHEREAS, The U.S. Postal Service will officially unveil and issue the
Purple Heart Forever Stamp in San Diego on May 5, 2011; and
WHEREAS, From General George Washington to General David Petraeus, our
nation's military leaders have awarded the Purple Heart in the name of
the President of the United States to honor almost two million Americans
who have been wounded in battle or killed in action; and
WHEREAS, According to the Military Order of the Purple Heart, an
organization for combat-wounded veterans, the medal is "the oldest mili-
tary decoration in the world in present use and the first award made
available to a common soldier."; and
WHEREAS, On August 7, 1782, during the Revolutionary War, General
George Washington issued an order establishing a badge of distinction
for meritorious action; the badge, which consisted of a heart made of
purple cloth, is known to have been awarded to three sergeants from
Connecticut regiments; and
WHEREAS, Known as the Badge of Military Merit, the award was distinc-
tive because it was available to the lower ranks at a time when only
officers were eligible for decoration in European armies; in creating
this appropriately exalted honor General Washington wrote "The road to
glory in a patriot army is thus open to all."; and
WHEREAS, Although not continued after the Revolutionary War, the deco-
ration was reinstated by the U.S. War Department, now the Department of
Defense, on February 22, 1932, the 200th anniversary of George
Washington's birth; and
WHEREAS, As depicted on the Purple Heart Forever Stamp, the redesigned
decoration consists of a purple heart of metal bordered by gold,
suspended from a purple and white ribbon; in the center of the medal is
a profile of George Washington beneath his family coat of arms; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of the importance of this stamp in honoring
our service men and women and our military heroes; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
express its appreciation to the U.S. Postal Service on its classifica-
tion of the Purple Heart postage stamp as a Forever Stamp upon the occa-
sion of its unveiling and issuance on May 5, 2011; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the U.S. Postal Service.