House Resolution Asks Postal Service to Reissue Commemorative Stamp Honoring Buffalo Soldiers

If you’ve ever tried to find a specific historical stamp for a collection or just to mail a letter with some flair, you know how quickly they disappear. This resolution, coming from the House of Representatives, is essentially a formal request to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to bring back a classic: a commemorative stamp honoring the Buffalo Soldiers.

The Ask: Honoring History in the Mail

This isn't a bill that changes tax laws or builds infrastructure; it’s a resolution expressing the “sense of the House.” Think of it as Congress formally saying, “Hey, this is important, and we think you should do this.” The resolution specifically asks the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC)—the group that recommends new stamps to the Postmaster General—to greenlight a stamp for the Buffalo Soldiers.

Why the push? The resolution details the incredible history of these all-Black regiments, established in 1866 to serve on the Western frontier after the Civil War. They were crucial in exploration and military operations, with 23 members earning the Congressional Medal of Honor during their 82-year existence before the military was desegregated in 1948. A stamp honoring them was previously issued in 1994, but it’s been off sale since 1995. The resolution argues that reissuing this stamp is a fitting and proper way to recognize their significant role in American military history.

What This Means for Your Mailbox (and History)

Since this is a non-binding resolution, it doesn't force the USPS to do anything, but it puts significant political weight behind the request. For the average person, the impact is straightforward: more recognition for a vital, often overlooked, part of American history. For history buffs, military families, and stamp collectors, this means the potential return of a meaningful collectible.

Commemorative stamps do more than just carry postage; they are miniature public history lessons. If the CSAC follows the recommendation, millions of pieces of mail will carry the image and story of the Buffalo Soldiers, raising public awareness about their contributions. Given that the previous stamp was popular enough to warrant this request for reissuance, it’s a smart move for the USPS as well, potentially driving stamp sales and interest in the postal service’s historical offerings. There are no mandates, no new regulations, and no costs associated with this resolution—just a recommendation for historical recognition.