Home > Newsroom > News Releases
In Honor of WWII Hero Varian Fry
Rep. Rothman Introduces a Congressional Resolution Calling for a Commemorative Postage Stamp
Download a copy of Rep. Rothman's resolution here.
Recommended Reading
Jewish Standard: "Hero Time"(Washington, DC)— Today, Congressman Steve Rothman (D-NJ) introduced a Congressional Resolution urging the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to issue a stamp in honor of Varian Fry, an American journalist from Ridgewood, NJ. Fry is credited with saving the lives of 2,000 Jews and other anti-Nazi refugees in occupied France from 1940 to 1941."Varian Fry courageously risked his own life to fight the Nazi regime's mass murder of Jews and to save 2,000 people from Hitler's horrific, immoral, and unconscionable acts of brutality. I believe the more Americans learn about this New Jerseyan's heroism, the prouder they would feel to have a stamp in his honor," said Rothman.
Earlier this month, the New Jersey Jewish Standard newspaper and the David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies launched a petition drive to urge the USPS to issue a stamp in commemoration of Mr. Fry, his historical significance, and his importance to the artistic and intellectual communities. Their petition seeks issuance of this stamp by the 100th anniversary of Mr. Fry's birth on October 15, 2007.
"I am grateful to the Jewish Standard and the Wyman Institute for suggesting this 'stamp of honor'," said Rothman. "Genocide is still occurring in the 21st Century. These crimes against humanity know no limits and demand our constant vigilance. I believe that there is great value in commemorating heroes such as Varian Fry, whose courageous work shines as a ray of much-needed light amid the darkness of these horrors. We need to educate and inspire people with Varian Fry's story, and a commemorative stamp will be a good start."
In considering subjects for commemorative stamps, the USPS has established a Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC). The CSAC, guided by 12 basic criteria, reviews and appraises all proposals submitted for commemoration. Although this 15-member Committee has considerable influence, the Postmaster General has the exclusive and final say on whether to issue a commemorative postage stamp.
###
 | News Releases |
| Working
for District 9 |
| Biography |
| Newsletter |
| Media Kit |
| Photo Gallery |
| Media & News Links |
