Political Quotes

“this amendment very simply directs the Postmaster General to issue a Forever Stamp to honor Gold Star families who have lost a family member in combat. It is about as simple and straightforward as an amendment to this immensely complex and costly measure could be. We are now in the second decade of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan at humongous costs to our Nation: In treasure, some $5 trillion, and in lives, close to 7,000 Americans have perished. On this Flag Day, and at the beginning of the Father's Day weekend, I ask that this body approve an amendment that very simply would issue and direct the Postmaster to issue a Forever Stamp commemorating the sacrifice and loss of our Gold Star families. All of us in this body have attended funerals. We have seen firsthand the losses suffered by brave Americans, their families, their loved ones, their friends, their dads, and their moms. All of us ought to be joining in paying tribute to those families by directing the Postmaster General to issue a Forever Stamp, which will be valid for whatever time it is used. There is precedent for this kind of stamp. In fact, I was reminded of it by a friend and constituent, Joe Kaliko of Greenwich, CT, who was inspired by his childhood stamp collection to suggest a stamp for Gold Star families, permanently recognizing and commemorating these national heroes. The stamp was issued in 1947 for Gold Star mothers. It expired about a year thereafter.…”