Utica, NY (WIBX) - The U.S. Postal Office is unveiling another "Forever" stamp that honors all Purple Heart Recipients. This morning, members of the Central New York Chapter 490 Military Order of the Purple Heart of the USA, joined Senator Joseph A. Griffo, (R, C, IP - Rome) to celebrate the occasion at Purple Heart Park in Utica.

Senator Griffo says the new forever stamp is another way to honor all those who served their country. "It will allow all the citizens across the country now to take advantage of the stamp that will be available always, to honor and commemorate this distinguished medal as well as those who have served and defended this country throughout our history," he said.

Griffo says it's been a decade long effort to make the Purple Heart Stamp a reality. He also encourages the community-at-large to go out and purchase the stamp, saying it's an opportunity to participate in honoring Veterans. The stamp is being issued in California today, and will be available in New York State on Saturday.

Darrel Shanne, Senior Vice Commander of Chapter 490 Military Order of the Purple Heart says he hopes the stamp will serve as a constant reminder of those who sacrificed to fight for freedom. He said, "Well, with them making the stamp permanent, these people will see it all the time and possible think more about the Veterans that have been wounded to give them the freedoms that they have. People just don't appreciate what they have sometimes--as long as it's kept in their face they tend to remember." Shanne says other members of the Chapter not able to attend the ceremony, are at Walter Reed Hospital in Bethesda, MD to assist other wounded Veterans. The group raises money through different activities to provide monetary and other assistance to wounded Veterans.

When asked to share his thoughts about the death of Osama Bin Laden and the continued fight against terrorism, Commander Shanne laughed and said, "It may take awhile but we're gonna get them." Griffo said the death of Bin Laden also shows the courage of all the Military personell who sacrificed to make the mission that was put in place possible. He added that it's another opportunity for us to recognize that justice has been served for so many people who died as a result of the horrific acts that Osama Bin Laden orchestrated. He added that it's important, "To remember all of those people--also those who currently serve and those who undertook that courageous mission that evening, and those who were wounded over the last decade since the attacks on this country on September 11th, 2001."

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