Bilirakis Introduces Legislation to Honor Sacrifices of Prisoners of War and Those Missing in Action

Press Release

Congressman Gus M. Bilirakis (R-FL), Vice-Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, introduced the Perpetual POW/MIA Stamp Act, which would require the Postmaster General to issue a forever stamp, featuring the National League of Families POW/MIA flag, in honor of the sacrifices of the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who are prisoners, unaccounted for or missing in action.

"Our men and women in uniform have made great sacrifices to protect the liberty and freedom of our great nation," said Bilirakis. "It is my hope that this stamp will serve as a constant reminder of the plight of America's Prisoners of War and Missing in Action, and the fact that our job is not over until all service members are accounted for."

This legislation comes after an outpouring of requests from constituents in and around Florida's 12th Congressional District. Congressman Bilirakis and Congressman Young (R-FL) originally petitioned the USPS to do the stamp on its own. However it declined their suggestion by letter.

According to the Department of Defense, more than 83,000 service members remain missing since World War II. In 1982, the POW/MIA flag became the first flag other than the Flag of the United States to fly over the White House in Washington, D.C.

Forever stamps were created by the USPS in 2007. They are non-denominational First Class postage. They can be used to mail First Class letters no matter the postage rate.

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