Memorial Day is a solemn national holiday dedicated to honoring the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Its origins trace back to 1868, when it was first known as Decoration Day—a time when Americans decorated the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and flags, commemorating their sacrifice and patriotism. Today, the tradition continues as families and volunteers visit cemeteries, placing flags on graves and reflecting on the courage and selflessness of those who gave their lives for this country.

This year holds special significance as it coincides with the 250th Anniversaries of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. The enduring legacy and unwavering dedication of these Armed Forces, each tracing its roots back to the Revolutionary War, is being celebrated by the US Postal Service with three new Forever stamps issued on May 16. As Americans pause to remember the fallen, the new stamps serve as a powerful reminder of the centuries-long commitment of these military branches to safeguarding the nation’s freedom and values.

Click the image above to get all three stamps, or any of the buttons below to view the individual stamps for additional formats and First Day Covers.

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The Purple Heart is a distinguished United States military decoration awarded to service members who are wounded or killed as a result of enemy action while serving in the US military. Established originally by General George Washington in 1782 as the Badge of Military Merit, it is the oldest military award still presented to American service members. The modern Purple Heart, redesigned in 1932 to feature the profile of George Washington, recognizes the courage and sacrifice of those who have suffered injuries or paid the ultimate price in defense of the United States.

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The World War II, Korean, and Vietnam Memorials in Washington, DC, are powerful sites of national remembrance, each honoring the sacrifices and service of American military personnel in distinct conflicts.

The World War II Memorial consists of 56 granite pillars, each representing a US state or territory during the war, and two triumphal arches symbolizing the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. At the heart of the memorial is a large fountain and the Freedom Wall, which is adorned with 4,048 gold stars—each representing 100 Americans who died in the war. Bronze bas-reliefs depict scenes from both the battlefield and the home front, capturing the breadth of the war effort. The memorial stands as a tribute to the 16 million Americans who served and the more than 400,000 who gave their lives during World War II.

The Korean War Veterans Memorial features 19 stainless steel statues representing a squad on patrol, with members from each branch of the armed forces. These statues are set among juniper bushes and granite strips, evoking the rugged terrain of Korea. The memorial’s black granite mural wall is etched with over 2,400 images of service members. Its surface reflects the statues to create the illusion of 38 soldiers—a reference to the 38th parallel. The site also includes the Pool of Remembrance and, most recently, the Wall of Remembrance, which lists the names of Americans and Korean Augmentation to the US Army who died in the conflict. The inscription “Freedom Is Not Free” underscores the memorial’s message.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is renowned for its minimalist, contemplative design. Its most iconic feature is the black granite wall, engraved with the names of more than 58,000 Americans who died or remain missing from the Vietnam War. The wall’s reflective surface allows visitors to see their own images alongside the names, forging a personal connection with the fallen.

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The Medal of Honor is the United States’ highest military decoration, awarded for acts of valor that go far beyond the call of duty. Established during the Civil War—first for the Navy in 1861 and then for the Army in 1862—the Medal of Honor was created to recognize service members who display extraordinary bravery and self-sacrifice in action against an enemy of the United States. A distinctive version of the award was created for the Air Force in 1965. Since its inception, it has become a symbol of the nation’s deepest gratitude for those who risk their lives in the most perilous circumstances, with only a little over 3,500 recipients in over 150 years.

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More Stamps Honoring Those Who Have Served and Sacrificed in America’s Armed Forces