I am pleased to let you know that I have joined Senator Jim Webb in introducing legislation to honor veterans who have received the Purple Heart.  Our bill, S. 572, provides for the issuance of a “forever stamp” to honor the sacrifices of the brave men and women of the armed forces who have been awarded the Purple Heart.

The Purple Heart stamp was unveiled at Mount Vernon, home of George Washington, in 2003, featuring the oldest continually authorized U.S. military decoration.  Created by General George Washington in 1782, the Purple Heart honors those wounded or killed during direct combat with enemies of the United States.  About 1.7 million Americans, including Senator Webb, have received the Purple Heart in honor of their sacrifice. 

Since it was first issued, more than 1.2 billion Purple Heart stamps have been sold.  In 2007, the Postal Service created the “forever stamp,” which, regardless of date of purchase, is always good for First Class Mail.  The first image for the “forever stamp” was the Liberty Bell.  We are now calling for the Purple Heart stamp to have the same status.

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator