North Florida Post Offices Honor Armed Forces

           The North Florida District of the United States Postal Service is conducting a major campaign to honor those who serve in the armed forces and show appreciation to them and their families.

            During this time all the post offices throughout the district are promoting the new Large Flat Rate Box and the discount for mailing ($10.95 per package compared with $12.95) to Army Post Office and Fleet Post Office (APO/FPO) addresses.

            Post offices located on or near military bases have posted banners on the facade of their buildings announcing the campaign. In addition, window decals and lobby signage is helping to promote the program.

            Employees throughout the district are encouraged to purchase at least one sheet of the Purple Heart stamps. In addition, in conjunction with the USO, employees are encouraged to send packages containing needed supplies to soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines serving in war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan.

            Customers who purchase a sheet of Purple Heart stamps or use the Large Flat Rate Box are being provided with a pre-printed decal to indicate the name and service branch of the military friend or loved one they are honoring. The Postal Service is proudly displaying those personalized decals in our postal retail lobbies.

            "It's terrific that the Postal Service continues to think of ways to help Americans support our troops and their families. Postage is always a concern when shipping care packages, and this new flat-rate box means our home front groups and supportive citizens can do more with their resources," said Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense. "We're especially pleased that some of the boxes will bear the America Supports You logo reminding our service members that they have our nation's support."

            To honor the sacrifices of the men and women who serve in the U.S. military, the U.S. Postal Service on April 30 re-issued, for the fourth time, the coveted Purple Heart stamp. First issued in 2003, the stamp features the medal that is "the oldest military decoration in the world," according to the Military Order of the Purple Heart. The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President to members of the U.S. military who have been wounded or killed in action.