On July 11, Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., and Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., led a bipartisan effort to encourage the U.S. Postal Service to issue a Purple Heart Forever Stamp to permanently honor U.S. military members wounded or killed in combat. Clinton and King were joined by 12 senators and 80 representatives in sending a letter to the USPS' Citizens' Stamp Advisory Council, requesting the "forever" stamp.

"I'm honored to be leading such a widely supported effort calling for the issuance of the Purple Heart Forever Stamp," King said. "This stamp will serve as a constant recognition of the sacrifices these brave men and women made for our nation's freedom and security. Their efforts should never be forgotten."

A "forever stamp" has no denomination, but pays the postage for first-class mail up to one ounce in weight even if the rate is later increased. Each year the postal rate changes, Purple Heart stamps must be reissued at new rates, putting them in jeopardy of being retired. As a "forever" stamp, the Purple Heart design would be a permanent USPS tribute.

The Order of the Purple Heart for Military Merit, commonly known as the Purple Heart, was created by George Washington in 1782. It rewarded troops for "unusual gallantry" and "extraordinary fidelity and essential service." The Purple Heart is awarded, in the name of the president, to members of the military who are wounded in conflict with an enemy force, or while being held as a prisoner of war. The medals are also awarded posthumously to the next of kin. More than 1.5 million servicemembers have received the Purple Heart medal; about a third of them are still living.

The Purple Heart was established on Aug. 7, 1782, when Gen. George Washington issued an order establishing the Honorary Badge of Distinction, otherwise known as the Badge of Military Merit or the Decoration of the Purple Heart.

Clinton and King are sponsors of the Perpetual Purple Heart Stamp Act (S.1390/H.R.2303), drafted by King's office in collaboration with the New York State Military Order of the Purple Heart.