Senator LaValle Announces Reissue of 44 Cent Purple Heart Stamp

(Long Island, N.Y.) Senator Kenneth P. LaValle is pleased to announce that the United States Postal Service will reissue the Purple Heart stamp on or before May 11at the cost of 44 cents. The stamp was first issued May 30, 2003 and, since that time, approximately 1.2 billion stamps have been sold worldwide.

The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the United States military who have been wounded or killed in action. It is the first award made available to the common soldier and is the oldest military decoration in the world in present use.

Senator LaValle noted that this year, the “Perpetual Purple Heart Stamp Act” was introduced in the U.S. Senate and the New York State Senate unanimously  adopted a resolution in support of this measure.  The legislation would make the current Purple Heart stamp available on a permanent basis as a “forever” stamp, ensuring that the stamp would never expire or decrease in value.

“We can never repay the sacrifice of those who help to ensure the protection of our American freedoms,” said Senator LaValle. “By using the Purple Heart Stamp, we will continue to honor our veterans and express the deep appreciation we feel for all they have done.”