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Blumenthal, Ernst Introduce Bill to Establish "Gold Star" Stamp, Honoring the Sacrifice of Families Who Have Lost a Loved One in Combat

Blumenthal also sends letter to Postmaster General to consider reissuing the Gold Star Mothers stamp with a Forever stamp designation

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] –Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) introduced bipartisan legislation to issue the “Gold Star” stamp recognizing and honoring families who have lost a child or family member in service to the nation. The U.S. Post Office Department first issued a stamp honoring Gold Star Mothers in 1948. Blumenthal and Ernst first introduced this legislation last year. U.S. Representative Elizabeth Esty (D-CT) has also introduced similar legislation today in the House of Representatives and in each of the last two Congresses

“The resolve, resilience, and grit of Gold Star Families are remarkable beyond words, and their extraordinary contributions after devastating loss are beyond measure. Although we cannot fully repay these national heroes, reissuing the Gold Star Stamp is a small token of our gratitude and a constant reminder for not only their sacrifice and loss, but the comfort they selflessly provide others in times of despair. Their courageous example of service and sacrifice is an inspiration to all,” said Blumenthal.

In 1947, President Harry S. Truman signed into law legislation establishing the first Gold Star Mothers stamp. The original Gold Star Mothers stamp became available on September 21, 1948. The first sheet of stamps was presented to Mrs. Thomas F. Sullivan of Waterloo, Iowa, who lost five sons when an enemy torpedo sank the cruiser Juneau on November 13, 1942.

Because the Gold Star Mothers stamp was designated as a special series commemorative stamp, rather than a permanent stamp, it was eventually discontinued. In 1993, a “Gold Star Loss” stamp was issued as part of a series of stamps marking the 50th anniversary of World War II.

Although Congress may approve the issuance of specific stamps, the Postmaster General also has the authority to issue a stamp. Today, Blumenthal wrote Postmaster General Megan Brennan to reaffirm his request to consider reissuing the Gold Star Mothers stamp with a Forever stamp designation. Blumenthal originally wrote Postmaster General Megan Brennan in August to urge the United States Postal Service to reissue the stamp after he was contacted with the idea by constituent Joe Kaliko, of Greenwich, Connecticut.

 

The full text of the letter is below:

 

The Honorable Megan Brennan

Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer

United States Postal Service

475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW

Washington, DC  20590

 

Dear Postmaster General Megan Brennan,

 

Thank you for your October 2016 response to my request urging the United States Postal Service (USPS) to consider reissuing the Gold Star Mothers stamp with a Forever stamp designation. As the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee begins consideration of stamps for 2017 and beyond, I would like to reaffirm my request. I ask that USPS honor all Gold Star Families by using its authority to reissue the Gold Star Mothers stamp with this special designation.

 

As you noted in your response, the Committee provides recommendations to the Postmaster General for future stamps based on national interest, historical perspective, and other criteria. I firmly believe, Gold Star Mothers and Fathers and Families meet these criteria twofold, and are highly deserving of this token of gratitude. For more than 80 years, Gold Star Families have personified the very essence of grit, resolve, and perseverance, while working tirelessly to improve the lives of others who share their unique sacrifice. In 1948, the first sheet of Gold Star Mothers commemorative stamps were presented to Mrs. Thomas F. Sullivan of Waterloo, Iowa, who tragically lost five sons during World War II. We owe it to the Sullivan family and all Gold Star Families to revive this special tradition that will serve as a constant reminder of their courage and sacrifice.

 

Since our last correspondence, I have introduced bipartisan legislation to honor all Gold Star Family members through the issuance of a Gold Star Families Forever stamp. However, while that legislation is considered, I urge you to use your existing authority as Postmaster General to recognize and honor families who have lost a child or family member in service to the nation by reissuing a Gold Star Mothers stamp with a Forever stamp designation.