Editor, Leatherneck
Attn: Col. Walter G. Ford, USMC

Regarding: Basilone Postage Stamp Update –Sound Off ED, November 2002

You raised the question in your Sound Off reply – “Why do we continue bothering with them (U. S. Postal Service, Stamp Advisory Committee) for a Stamp?

My reply to your question is plain and simple: The Postal Service should take action to honor U. S. Marine Warriors as they have honored those who served in the Army, Navy and Air Force. Are our Warriors any less import than those of the other services?

Marine Corps Warriors such as “Chesty Puller, “Manila” Basilone, and other “Giants of the Corps” as reflected in the Marine Corps Association’s, Year 2003 Calendar deserve to be honored by the U. S. Postal Service. The commemorative stamp program recognizes individuals and organizations that have contributed greatly to the history of our great nation. They have overlooked, for reasons unknown to me the Warrior “Giants of the Corps” who gave their all in defense of America and played heavily in building the American history. Now is the time for them to react to and approve our requests.

Early in a drive for a “Chesty” stamp, 1997 time frame, an effort that continues to this day, Col. White, then the Editor of Leatherneck, indicated I could expect help from the Leatherneck and Marine Corps Association to seek approval from the Postal Service if it did not act and approve such a stamp. The Postal Service has yet to act. Where is the Leatherneck/Marine Corps Association support now? Please be positive and help the efforts to recognize our “Giants of the Corps”.

Two of our Commandants, Generals Krulak and Jones, both indicated to me that they fully support the Puller Stamp and so informed the Postmaster General of their support. Where is the Association and the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation support? Where is the support of the Active Duty personnel, the Reserve Force, and all the Retired and Marines who once served our Corps? You can help reach these great Marines to gain their support.

It wasn'tS the Army, Navy or Air Force who helped the Postal Service get the mail delivered it was the Corps – or do they remember that far back? Is it not time for a little payback from the Postal Service?

Semper Fi! and Happy Marine Corps Birthday,

Jacques B. Loraine, Jr.
Major, U. S. Marine Corps Retired
9712 W. Augusta Drive
Sun City, AZ 85351-3668
623-875-0426
email: j.lorainejr@att.net