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

Press Release

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.

Source