The image has been emblazoned on the American mindscape ever since Sept. 11 — three embattled New York firefighters triumphantly hoisting the American flag above the ground zero.

Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Bellefonte) has unveiled a resolution urging the U.S. Postal Commission to approve a commemorative stamp honoring the efforts of New York firefighters and police officers following the attacks on America, according to a press release.

"This is perhaps the most fitting tribute we can pay to the heroes of Sept. 11, and it should be paid to them," Benninghoff said in the release.

According to the release, Benninghoff has begun lobbying officials in the Bush administration and the Office of the Postmaster General to approve the stamp. He also added that he has employed the aide of other interested parties to collectively get the resolution passed.

"I am working diligently right now to get the approval of this stamp expedited by rounding up petitions from EMS personnel and legislators," Benninghoff said.

The stamp would feature a picture of the three firefighters strategically placed in the center. The crest of the stamp would include a wreath with the Latin phrase e. pluribus unum ("out of many, one") etched in it. Stretched along the bottom of the stamp would be the phrase "United We Stand," the release said.

The proposed stamp would also include a tribute to the Flight 93 passengers, according to the release.

"Scrolled on the mast (of the flag) are the last words — "Let's roll" — of Flight 93 passenger Todd Beamer that were heard . . . just before he valiantly helped others attack their hijackers," the release said. "(Their efforts) caused the plane to crash, foiling the terrorists' objectives."

Rich Campbell, customer service supervisor at the U.S. Post Office on Fraser Street, has yet to come across firm confirmation on the status of the proposed stamp.

"We haven't heard anything specifically," he said. "I just heard there was a big push for it to get made."

Campbell added that the proposed stamp was not on the post office's list of stamps for 2002, but he thought the stamp would become a hot item if it receives approval. He specifically cited the post office's issuing of flag stamps a few weeks after the attacks occurred as evidence.

"Those stamps were big sellers," Campbell said. "Anything with an American symbol was big."

Alyssa Stateman (freshman-history and psychology) said the stamp was a proper memorial for those lost in the tragedy.

"It's definitely fitting," she said. "It is something that should be remembered."

Rachel Maya (junior-recreation and park management) said she would have liked to see the stamp's creators shift the focus more from the horrific misfortune of Sept. 11, to the newfound unity of the nation.

"They should have done something commemorating America, not just what happened on Sept. 11," she said.