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Posted on Oct 31, 2013 in History News

World War II Medal of Honor Postage Stamp

By Media Release

The 464 military personnel who were awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions during World War II are about to receive another honor. On Veteran’s Day 2013 US Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe will unveil and dedicate the World War II Medal of Honor Forever stamps as part of a ceremony at the National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. The stamps will depict photographs of the last surviving Second World War Medal of Honor recipients. Click here to read more about the Medal of Honor postage stamps.

The unveiling is part of a service paying tribute to the more than 16 million men and women who served with US armed forces during World War II. We received the following media release about the event.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Friends of the National World War II Memorial (Friends) and the National Park Service (NPS) will pay tribute to the more than 16 million men and women who served with the U.S. armed forces during World War II during a special Veterans Day event at the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Monday, November 11, 2013 at 9:00 a.m.

“As Americans, Veterans Day is the time to recognize our World War II veterans to whom we owe an enormous debt of gratitude,” said Friends Chairman Retired Army Lieutenant General Claude “Mick” Kicklighter. “Our World War II veterans who served overseas, as well as all those who served on the home front, literally saved the world and Friends is proud to lead the effort in celebrating them and the spirit of unity of the American people during this pivotal time in our nation’s history.”

Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley will give the keynote address and present a wreath at the Freedom Wall along with veterans from World War II. The Maryland native is in his second term as Governor. Prior to that, he served as the Mayor of Baltimore from 1999 to 2007. Governor O’Malley’s father, Thomas Martin O’Malley, served as a bombardier in the U.S. Army Air Forces in the Pacific theater during World War II.

As part of the ceremony, United States Postal Service Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe will unveil and dedicate the World War II Medal of Honor Forever stamps which honor the 464 recipients of the award for their heroic actions during World War II. Two of the nine surviving World War II Medal of Honor recipients will be in attendance: Wilburn K. Ross and George T. Sakato. Also attending the ceremony will be Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Harvey “Barney” Barnum, U.S. Marine Corps retired and Irene Hirano Inouye, the widow of Senator Daniel K. Inouye, a World War II Medal of Honor recipient.

Robert Vogel, Superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, will also be one of the ceremony’s speakers. Friends board member Kenneth J. Terry, of Grunley Construction Co., will serve as the Master of Ceremonies.

The United States Air Force Band Brass Quintet will play throughout the ceremony. The ceremony will begin with the posting of colors by the Military District of Washington’s Armed Forces Color Guard and, following remarks by honored guests and wreath layings, will conclude with the playing of Taps.

About The Friends of the National World War II Memorial, Inc. (www.wwiimemorialfriends.org): Founded in 2007, the Friends of the National World War II Memorial is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to ensuring that the legacy, lessons, and sacrifices of World War II are not forgotten and enhancing the educational experience for visitors to the National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. The nonprofit organization was established by former American Battle Monuments Commission members, who were responsible for implementing a Congressional mandate to recommend a site and a design and to fund and build the National World War II Memorial. They were concerned with making the Memorial all that it was intended to be by its planners: an open, welcoming, gathering place on the National Mall; a place of reverent remembrance; and a place to honor and celebrate the spirit of America during World War II. With growing private support, the cooperation of the National Park Service, the Military District of Washington, and others, these hopes are being realized.