The United States Postal Service will issue four new stamps to honor those who have received one of the four Service Cross medals.

The Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross, the Air Force Cross and the Coast Guard Cross stamps will be dedicated on Memorial Day at the World Stamp Show in New York City, which is held once every 10 years.

"It's difficult to do something that can actually pay tribute to the individuals themselves because there are so many," said Bill Gicker, creative director of stamp development at the Postal Service. "The thought was to honor them by issuing the stamps of the medals so that it represents them all as a whole."

The 45-minute dedication ceremony at the World Stamp Show will begin at 11 a.m. and will include a Color Guard presentation and speeches by various dignitaries — the show coincides with New York's annual Fleet Week.

The Service Cross medals are the second-highest military decoration for valor in combat, after the Medal of Honor.

The Postal Service printed more than 20 million Service Cross stamps that will be available at post offices nationwide, online at usps.com or through 800-STAMP-24 (800-782-6724). Being Forever stamps, they will always be good for the current First Class Mail 1 ounce rate. (When a stamp is reproduced within 75-150 percent of stamp size, a line must be placed through the denomination to prevent its use as actual postage.)

"The United States Postal Service has a long history of honoring our military," Gicker said. "The medals are just so beautiful, and the people who receive them are obviously just so worthy."

Charlsy Panzino covers veterans education, employment and transition issues, as well as travel, entertainment and fitness. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com. 

Charlsy is a Reporter and Engagement Manager for Military Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.

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