Once a decade the community of stamp enthusiasts come together for the World Stamp Show; this year it’s being held in the Big Apple from May 28th to June 4th. The show features 200 stamp dealers, stamp auctions, collectors from around the world, John Lennon’s stamp collection and much more. Of all the events taking place, the Honoring Extraordinary Heroism: The Service Cross Medal Forever Stamps dedication ceremony, held on Memorial Day, was the most patriotic.
The Honoring Extraordinary Heroism: The Service Cross Medals recognizes the men and women military members who have been awarded one of the four Service Cross Medals—the Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross, the Air Force Cross and the Coast Guard Cross. The Service Cross Medals are the second highest military decorations for valor, after the Medal of Honor. Those who have been awarded have shown the highest acts of bravery and dedication to their country and their fellow soldiers.
The official language authorized by congressional legislation states that the Service Cross Medals are given for extraordinary heroism not justifying the award of Medal of Honor while engaged in an action against enemy of the United States; engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force or serving friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
Many recipients of these awards died or were severely wounded as a result of their selfless and valorous actions. All, however, braved enemy fire and made bold and brave decisions to rescue or protect their fellow service members. These medals pay homage to such valorous actions and dedication to duty, and the Honoring Extraordinary Heroism: The Service Cross Medals Forever Stamps recognizes what these medals mean and the sacrifices made by those awarded.
