Veterans

1968 Canada John McCrae
May 3, 1915

“In Flanders Fields”

On May 3, 1915, Canadian physician John McCrae penned the poem, “In Flanders Fields,” in honor of a fallen fellow soldier following the Second Battle of Ypres. The poem became a rallying cry among Allied nations to continue fighting and support the war effort.

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1999 33¢ Celebrate the Century - 1960s: The Vietnam War
January 27, 1973

Paris Peace Accords

On January 27, 1973, the Paris Peace Accords ended US involvement in the Vietnam War. It marked the end of a decade of US presence in Vietnam, though the fighting would continue for two more years.

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2001 34¢ Honoring Veterans
November 11, 1954

Veterans Day

On November 11, 1954, America first observed Veterans Day, previously known as Armistice Day.  Initially a day set aside to honor the veterans of World War I, it was expanded in 1954 to pay tribute to all veterans.   

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1969 6¢ The American Legion
November 10, 1919

First Convention of the American Legion 

On November 10, 1919, the American Legion held its first convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Legion has been a champion for military service members for over a century.

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2003 37¢ Purple Heart, 11.25 x 10.75 perf
August 7, 1782

George Washington Creates Forerunner of Purple Heart

On August 7, 1782, George Washington ordered the creation of the Badge of Military Merit to be awarded for bravery in battle. The predecessor of the Purple Heart, it’s one of the oldest military awards worldwide that is open to all who are wounded in battle.

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1980 15¢ Veterans Administration
July 21, 1930

Creation of the Veterans Administration 

On July 21, 1930, President Hoover signed legislation forming the Veterans Administration, often called simply, the VA.

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1970 6¢ Honoring US Servicemen: POW and MIA
July 18, 1979

National POW/MIA Recognition Day

On July 18, 1979, the first National POW/MIA Recognition Day was observed. It’s a day to honor past and present POW/MIAs, rededicate efforts to bring them home, and care for the families still waiting on their return home.

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2007 41¢ Gerald Ford
July 14, 1913

Happy Birthday Gerald Ford! 

Leslie Lynch King Jr., better known as Gerald Rudolph Ford, was born on July 14, 1913, in Omaha, Nebraska.  He was the only US president not elected to the presidency or vice presidency.

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1922 50¢ Arlington Amphitheatre
June 15, 1864

Arlington National Cemetery

On June 15, 1864, Arlington National Cemetery was officially established.  Arlington was created to provide a burial site for the increasing number of fallen soldiers during the Civil War. 

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