USPS Presents Barbara Bush Commemorative Forever Stamp

USPS Honors Barbara Bush's Legacy

KENNEBUNKPORT, ME — The United States Postal Service (USPS) commemorates the life and legacy of Barbara Bush with a new Forever Stamp. This tribute honors her roles as the wife of the 41st President, George H. W. Bush, and as the mother of the 43rd President, George W. Bush. Barbara Bush served as First Lady from 1989 to 1993, remembered for her dedication to family, literacy, and her candid communication style that resonated with the public.

The inaugural ceremony took place at Ganny’s Garden on the Green in Kennebunkport, ME, close to the Bush family's vacation retreat. This serene location has often been a gathering place where the family intertwined personal relaxation with their public service duties. During the ceremony, the acting Postmaster General, Doug Tulino, expressed the shared values between the USPS and Mrs. Bush. "Each piece of mail is more than paper and postage," Tulino remarked. "It represents a personal connection with the people she served throughout her life."

The Bush Family's Enduring Influence

Representing the family, George W. Bush highlighted the significance of family and reading in his mother's life. “She knew a child’s success depended on literacy,” he said, addressing the audience that included former First Lady Laura Bush, Neil Bush, and Dorothy “Doro” Bush Koch. Alice Yates, CEO of the George & Barbara Bush Foundation, hosted the ceremony.

Barbara Pierce, born in New York City on June 8, 1925, met George H.W. Bush at a social event during her teenage years. Their marriage began a journey marked by George's military service in World War II and his subsequent career in politics, where Barbara emerged as a supportive and active campaigner.

Advocacy for Literacy and Health

Barbara Bush's commitment to literacy was influenced by her son Neil's dyslexia. She authored her first children's book, "C. Fred’s Story," in 1984 to support national literacy initiatives. Her advocacy extended to AIDS awareness, challenging societal stigmas by showing compassion towards affected children and supporting federal funding.

As First Lady, she founded the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, which aimed to effectively address illiteracy. Her contributions to literacy also prompted the passage of the National Literacy Act in 1991, a measure giving adults new educational opportunities.

One of her notable speeches at Wellesley College in 1990 emphasized human connections over career ambitions. The speech was critically acclaimed and included predictions of future female leadership in the White House.

Remembering a Beloved First Lady

Barbara and George H.W. Bush returned to private life after their time in the White House, residing in Texas. Her legacy extended through her children’s political careers, with George W. and Jeb Bush serving as governors. Notably, Barbara lived to see her son George W. Bush become President.

Barbara Bush passed away on April 17, 2018, in Houston, and is interred alongside her daughter Robin and husband at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library in Texas. Her enduring legacy is celebrated with this stamp, which seamlessly captures her charm and grace.

Stamp Details and Availability

The commemorative stamp was created by Derry Noyes, a USPS art director, featuring a segment of a 2005 White House portrait by artist Chas Fagan. The stamp depicts Bush with her iconic pearl necklace, and it stands as a Forever stamp, matching the value of the current First-Class Mail rate.

Philatelic enthusiasts can purchase the stamp in panes of 20 through the USPS online store, by contacting customer service, or by visiting local post offices. The virtual marketplace for USPS authorized products, including options on Amazon, ensures accessibility for all collectors.

The USPS, a self-sustaining entity, continues to serve its mission by offering stamps and services sustained through sales rather than taxpayer funding. The dedication of this stamp not only memorializes Barbara Bush but also reaffirms the Postal Service’s commitment to connecting Americans through meaningful tributes.