Veterans Day: Postage Stamps Honoring Those Who’ve Served

Over the years, the United States Postal Service has issued many stamps honoring veterans, capturing the spirit of courage, sacrifice, and unity that defines military service. Veterans Day stamps have featured such patriotic designs as Arlington National Cemetery’s Memorial Amphitheater, General George S. Patton Jr. and the Armored Forces of the US Army, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the World War II Medals of Honor. These stamps remind collectors and everyday Americans of the people who answered their nation’s call—those who served with courage, endured hardship, and helped defend the freedoms we enjoy today. Each stamp stands as a lasting tribute to their bravery and a reminder of the debt of gratitude owed to every veteran.

Veterans Day, observed every year on November 11, is a day for reflection, gratitude, and remembrance. Its origins trace back to the end of World War I, when the armistice between the Allied countries and Germany took effect on November 11, 1918—at “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.” The world rejoiced as fighting ceased, and nations began the difficult task of healing after a devastating global conflict. In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as Armistice Day, setting aside time to honor those who had served in what many hoped would be “the war to end all wars.”

As time went on, the meaning of the day evolved. Following World War II and the Korean War, millions more Americans had served their country with courage and sacrifice. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation officially changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day—broadening its purpose to honor all veterans of the United States Armed Forces, living and deceased. The change reflected a deeper understanding that service and sacrifice are not limited to a single conflict, but are ongoing commitments shared by generations of Americans.

Across the country, communities observe Veterans Day with parades, ceremonies, and moments of silence. At Arlington National Cemetery, the president lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier—a solemn tribute to all who have served and sacrificed without recognition. Schools teach the importance of remembrance, while local memorials, town greens, and veterans’ halls become gathering places for reflection and thanks. And stamps honoring veterans serve as lasting reminders of their courage and sacrifice—their heroism and dedication continuing to inspire gratitude across generations.

The day is not about glorifying war, but about honoring peace through the people who made it possible. It reminds us that freedom endures because of the strength, discipline, and compassion of those who were willing to defend it.

Celebrating Our Veterans

The Hometowns Honor Their Returning Veterans stamp is part of the World War II: 1945 – Victory at Last se-tenant issued in 1995 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the war’s end. This particular design captures one of the most moving scenes in postwar America—the joyful parades and heartfelt welcomes that greeted soldiers as they returned home. With flags flying and families cheering, it symbolizes the relief, gratitude, and unity that swept the nation as peace was finally restored.

The World War II Stamp Series, released between 1991 and 1995, chronicled America’s journey through the conflict year by year. Each pane of ten stamps highlighted key moments from the battlefield and the home front, from the early days of uncertainty to the hard-won triumph of 1945. The final issue, celebrates not only military success but also the human stories of endurance, sacrifice, and hope that defined an era. Together, these stamps form a powerful visual history—one that honors the millions of Americans whose courage and commitment shaped the course of the twentieth century.

On Veterans Day, and all year long, we continue to honor that same spirit by recognizing the men and women who have served our nation in uniform. Through parades, ceremonies, and commemorations, Americans express their gratitude for the sacrifices made to protect our freedoms. Stamps honoring our veterans remind us that the courage and service of our military members remain central to our nation’s story—yesterday, today, and always.

The Medal of Honor

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 deep gratitude for those who risk their lives in the most perilous circumstances, with only a little over 3,500 recipients in over 150 years.

The collection of stamps above feature the Army and Navy Medals of Honor from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, as well as Air Force Medal of Honor for Vietnam, when it was first awarded.

The Purple Heart

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.

War Memorials

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.

Distinguished Servicemen

In 2000, the USPS launched the first installment of the Distinguished Servicemen Series with four 33-cent stamps. Issued May 3rd in Washington, DC, these stamps feature some of the Army’s greats: John L. Hines, Omar N. Bradley, Alvin C. York and Audie L. Murphy. Each stamp features a black-and-white portrait plus the shoulder-sleeve insignia of the unit in which the person served. The idea was not just to commemorate the four individuals, but to pay tribute to all American soldiers—honoring the service of many through these few.

The series continued in 2005 with a salute to four legendary Marines. Issued on November 10—the Marine Corps’ 230th birthday—the 37-cent stamps honored John A. Lejeune, Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller, John Basilone, and Daniel J. Daly. Each man represented the Marine Corps’ highest traditions of leadership, valor, and sacrifice. It was also the first time the Postal Service had ever featured individual Marines on stamps, making the issue a proud moment for the Corps (as a group, Marines first appeared on the 1945 Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima stamp).

The final installment came on February 4, 2010, with four 44-cent stamps celebrating distinguished sailors of the US Navy. The set honored Admiral William S. Sims, Admiral Arleigh A. Burke, Lieutenant Commander John C. McCloy, and Doris “Dorie” Miller—the first African American to receive the Navy Cross. Each stamp showed the honoree along with a ship named in their memory, symbolizing their lasting influence on naval history. With this issue, the Postal Service completed a decade-long tribute to America’s armed forces and the men whose service and heroism defined them.

Challenge Coins

The origin of challenge coins is often traced back to World War I. According to one popular story, an American lieutenant had small bronze medallions made for his squadron, each engraved with their unit’s insignia. When a young pilot was later shot down and captured by German forces, he managed to escape and reach French lines—but had no identification. Facing execution as a possible spy, he presented the medallion as proof of his affiliation, and a French soldier recognized the insignia, sparing his life. Afterward, carrying one’s unit coin became a proud tradition among service members. Over time, the custom evolved into the “challenge”—where soldiers would call for others to produce their coins, with a drink owed by the first to come up empty. Today, challenge coins remain powerful symbols of identity, unity, and respect across all branches of the military.

More Stamps Honoring Our Veterans

Medals Commemorating the US Military