Seek ‘forever’ Purple Heart stamp

The U.S. Postage Stamp honoring the Purple Heart, the military medal given to over 1.7 million wounded veterans has become second-class - again, and the thought wounds State Senator Serphin Maltese.
With the new 41 cent first-class postal rate, Maltese and Veterans groups want Congress and the United States Postal Service (USPS) to issue a “forever stamp” for the Purple Heart.
“Forever stamps” are a new idea from the USPS. Once purchased, they are good for first class mail up to one ounce, regardless of future increases.
Maltese, a Korean War veteran and former chair of the Senate Veterans Committee said, “We need to once again launch a grassroots campaign to ensure that the Purple Heart stamp will continue to honor our veterans and their families.” Maltese is urging everyone to contact Congressmembers and Senators to support the idea.
“The Perpetual Purple Heart Stamp Act” was introduced in the House of Representatives on May 14 - the same day the new rate went into effect - by Congressmember Peter King of Long Island. An identical bill was introduced in the Senate the next day by Senator Hillary Clinton.
King said he was “honored that I was asked to introduce this legislation.” A spokesperson from his office confirmed to The Queens Courier that the bill was the brainchild of the New York State Military Order of the Purple Heart.
Senator Clinton said, “I am hopeful that we can make this important and historic stamp permanent so that it will continue to be printed in their honor.”
King’s bill is designated H.R.2303- Clinton’s is identical, designated S.1390.