A Heartfelt Thank You To All Who Supported The Purple Heart Stamp

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our local veterans and concerned citizens who joined in the appeal to the United States Postal Service ("USPS") to keep the Purple Heart stamp in circulation. Through the letters and support of those from Long Island and across the country, the USPS recently announced the reissuance of the Purple Heart stamp at the new $.39 first-class postage rate.

On May 30, 2003, the USPS issued the Purple Heart stamp to honor the sacrifice of members of the United States military services who have been killed or wounded in action. After learning of the USPS’ intention to discontinue the Purple Heart stamp, our American Legion and VFW Posts, veterans and others joined together to petition for its reissuance as a $.39 stamp.

The Purple Heart stamp is an expression of gratitude for the heroism and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform. In these difficult times, the reissuance of the Purple Heart stamp is one small way to honor our veterans and thank them for their service.

Until the new stamp is available, the current $.37 Purple Heart will remain on sale at Post Offices, online at the Postal Store at http://www.usps.com/shop, through the USA Philatelic catalog and by calling toll free 1-800-STAMP-24.

In addition, the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located at the New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site. This7,500 square foot facilitywill share the stories of America's combat wounded veterans and those who never came back, all recipients of the Purple Heart. Since 1932, over 800,000 military personnel from all walks of life earned the medal in service to the nation.For more information about the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, please click onhttp://nysparks.state.ny.us/info/purple_hrt.asp.