Purple Heart Definitive Stamp

The Purple Heart Stamp is a unique stamp that depicts a military medal that is bestowed upon some of America’s finest men and women. It was first issued on May 20, 2003. The stamp features the medal's image - a profile of George Washington on a purple background within a heart-shaped medallion.

In 1782, General George Washington began issuing the “Badge of Military Merit” to only the lower ranking soldiers. It consisted of a heart that was made of purple cloth. After the Revolutionary War, the award was discontinued. In 1932, on Washington’s 100th birthday, the award was redesigned and put back into military service, where it remains today.

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 in combat or to the next of kin of those who are killed in action. Over 1.5 million United States Veterans have received this medal.

The second issuance was released on May 27, 2006 at the 75th Anniversary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The third issuance was released on August of 2007. Stamps have now been issued in 37cent, 39 cent, 41 and now 42 cent values.

In May of 2008, seven US Senators wrote a letter to the Postmaster General asking that the USPS make the Purple Heart Stamp a “forever stamp”, thereby paying continued respect to our service members by making the stamp a constant reminder of their sacrifices to our country. If you support this idea, contact your Senator and ask that he/she support the Perpetual Purple Heart Stamp Act that is currently in the US Senate.

Visit www.stampcenter.com to purchase these stamps with the 37 cent valuation.