Seward Joins Veterans For Reissuance of Purple Heart Stamp

COOPERSTOWN, 05/21/09 -- Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today joined local veterans to launch the reissuance of the Purple Heart Stamp.

“As we approach Memorial Day it is important to remember those who have sacrificed so much for their country,” said Senator Seward.  “The reissuance of the Purple Heart Stamp is one way we can honor those service members killed or wounded in service of our nation. 

“These men and women have made, in some cases, the ultimate sacrifice.  The Purple Heart Stamp is just one small way we can show our thanks for all they have given up,” added Seward.

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. The medal is the oldest military decoration in the world in present use and the first award made available to a common soldier.

The stamp features a photograph by Ira Wexler of one of two Purple Hearts awarded to James Loftus Fowler of Alexandria, VA, who was battalion commander of the Third Battalion, Fourth Marines serving in Vietnam. This stamp was first issued in 2003.

“While the reissuance of the Purple Heart Stamp is wonderful news, it is my hope that, in the future, the Postal Service will go one step further, and make this available as a forever stamp.  This action is necessary to prevent delays in issuing the stamp whenever the postal rates increase,” Seward concluded.

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