Monday, May 19, 2003
Gen. George Washington started a magnificent tradition with the creation of the Purple Heart decoration as a way to honor the brave soldiers under his command.
The tradition of recognition for valor and sacrifice continues to this day. The Purple Heart, the oldest military decoration, will be commemorated with a 37-cent U.S. stamp for issuance May 30, the traditional Memorial Day. (The legal holiday is the last Monday in May.)
The medal is awarded in the name of the president of the United States to members of the military who have been wounded or killed in action.
The new stamp will feature a photo of one of two Purple Hearts awarded to James Lofts Fowler of Alexandria, Va. Fowler was a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Marines and was serving as battalion commander of the Third Battalion, Fourth Marines when he received his Purple Heart in 1968 during the Vietnam War.
On Aug. 7, 1782, during the Revolutionary War, Washington issued an order that established a badge of distinction for meritorious action. The badge consisted of a heart made of purple cloth.
The award was distinctive because it was available to the lower ranks at a time when only officers were eligible for decorations. "The road to glory in a patriotic army," Washington wrote "is open to all."
Reinstatement
The Purple Heart was not continued after the Revolutionary War, but its reinstatement was announced Feb. 22, 1932, the 200th anniversary of Washington's birthday. The redesigned decoration consists of a purple heart of metal bordered by gold. Suspended from a purple-and-white ribbon in the center of the medal is a profile bust of Washington beneath his family coat of arms.
Since World War II, U.S. presidents have expanded the eligibility requirements for the Purple Heart. On Dec. 3, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued an executive order that extended the award to include the Navy, Marine and Coast Guard and made the changes retroactive to Dec. 6, 1941.
President Harry S. Truman extended the date of eligibility back to April 15, 1917, to include those who were wounded or killed during World War I.
First-day-of-issue postmarks of the new stamp can be obtained by mail. You can purchase the stamps at your local post office after May 30. Affix the stamp to your envelope, address the envelope to Purple Heart Commemorative Postage Stamp, Postmaster, PO. Box 9998, Mount Vernon, Va. 22121-9991. All orders must be postmarked by June 30, 2003.
The Stamp Fulfillment Services also offers first-day covers postmarked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation. Call (800)-STAMP-24.
Besides the Purple Heart stamp, a special Purple Heart Matted Keepsake is available for $21.95 and a Purple Heart Cancellation Keepsake can be had for $8.15 at all Postal Retail Stores by again calling (800)-STAMP-24.