as stamp is unveiled
Milltown ceremony attracts hundreds
as stamp is unveiled
By nida khan
Staff Writer
FARRAH MAFFAI Bob Richards (top, left), commander of Milltown American Legion Post 25, says the Pledge of Allegiance at a Purple Heart stamp ceremony Friday. Also pictured: former state Finance Officer Bill Kaye, former POWs Stewart Cooper and Zack Roberts.
Hundreds of war veterans, their families, friends and dignitaries gathered in Milltown Friday morning for the unveiling of the long-awaited Purple Heart postal stamp.
The U.S. Postal Service unveiled the 37-cent stamp in honor of military soldiers who were injured or killed in action. The Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration in the world. The stamp was unveiled at 10:30 a.m. at a ceremony in front of American Legion Post 25, Washington Avenue and John F. Kennedy Drive.
Several hundred people attended the ceremony, including many Purple Heart recipients.
"It’s truly an honor to be here," said Jack McGreevey, who spoke on behalf of his son, Gov. James McGreevey. "There is no other group — veteran or otherwise — that deserves this honor more than the military order of the Purple Heart."
McGreevey, who said he named his son after his brother, a Marine killed in battle, joined representatives from the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Postal Service, numerous veterans’ groups and several other political figures from around the state to present the new stamp.
"Stamps have always commemorated events in our nation’s history," said Michael Warner, the master of ceremonies on Friday and a retired colonel in the Army. "Last year the 9/11 stamp was issued, and ever since then the word ‘hero’ has been used more often. Postage stamps are used to recognize historical events and people. … I applaud the post office for honoring those soldiers who not only served the nation when called, but suffered in battle as well."
Vito J. Cetta, manager of the Central New Jersey District of the Postal Service, said the Purple Heart stamp is part of the 2003 Stamp Program created to celebrate the people, history and events of the nation.
"Never before today have I been in the presence of so many American heroes," he said.
FARRAH MAFFAI During the U.S. Postal Service’s “Saluting Their Sacrifice” ceremony Friday, Dorothy Oxendine, national president of the American Gold Star Mothers, is presented with the American flag in honor of the loss of her son.
According to Postmaster General John E. Potter, George Washington created the Purple Heart decoration as a way to honor and thank the brave soldiers who fought under his command. In 1782, during the Revolutionary War, the badge, originally referred to as the Badge of Military Merit, was made of purple cloth. In 1932, on the 200th anniversary of Washington’s birthday, the Department of Defense reinstated the award and it was redesigned with a purple heart of metal, bordered by gold and suspended from a purple and white ribbon. In the center of the medal is a profile of George Washington.
"This is a day I will always call the real Memorial Day," said Dorothy Oxendine, the National President of the American Gold Star Mothers. "Let this day remind you of the debt we owe our military and veterans, especially the Purple Heart recipients. I urge everyone to give them a handshake and say thank you."
The former national commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Richard L. Spinelli, said the organization worked for a long time to receive the stamp.
"I’m honored to be here today to accept this for all those [recipients], past, present and future," he said. "The post office paid their final debt to the Purple Heart."
FARRAH MAFFAI Members of the 42nd Infantry Division with the New Jersey National Guard fire a gun salute during Friday’s ceremony unveiling the Purple Heart stamp.
Bill Kaye, an ex-prisoner of war from World War II, said the stamp was long overdue.
"I am very happy today," said the North Brunswick resident. "It was a befitting ceremony for all."
Barbara J. Schmitz, a past national president of the Marine Corps League Auxiliary, said she felt it was her duty to attend the ceremony.
"Their sacrifices gave me my freedoms," she said. "This is the least I can do to show my gratitude."
FARRAH MAFFAI Milltown Joyce Kilmer American Legion Post 25 Commander Bob Richards is presented with a flag at a ceremony Friday in which the U.S. Postal Service unveiled its new Purple Heart stamp.
The program included musical selections including "God Bless America," "God Bless the USA" and "Wind Beneath My Wings," performed by the North Brunswick Choir and Marching Band.
The unveiling of the stamp ceremony included a gun salute by the 42nd Infantry Division Support Command Squadron of the New Jersey Army National Guard.
Several other dignitaries gave speeches, including John R. Whitman, the husband of former Gov. Christine Todd Whitman. Following the speeches and stamp presentation, refreshments were served as many attendees stood in line to purchase the new stamp.
In her opening remarks, Milltown Mayor Gloria Bradford expressed her gratitude to the veterans and said she was honored that Milltown was chosen as a site for the ceremony.
"There is no honor too great for the brave men and women who put their lives on the line so we could stand here today," she said. "I want you to shake the hands of these soldiers and repeat my words that Milltown thanks you."
The Purple Heart stamp is available at post offices or by visiting www.usps.com/shop.


