Letter to the Hon. Megan Brennan - Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer of the United States Postal Service

Letter

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.

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