Barbara Bush Forever Stamp 2025
WASHINGTON ?? The U.S. Postal Service has unveiled the design of a commemorative Forever? stamp honoring the 100th anniversary of the birth of former first lady Barbara Bush. The artwork was introduced during a special ceremony at the White House, recognizing the life and legacy of one of America??s most admired first ladies.
The stamp design was revealed by first lady Melania Trump, Barbara Bush??s daughter Dorothy ??Doro?? Bush Koch, Alice Yates, chief executive officer of the George & Barbara Bush Foundation, and Judy de Torok, vice president of Corporate Affairs for the U.S. Postal Service.
A formal dedication ceremony for the Barbara Bush stamp is scheduled for June 10, marking both the 100th anniversary of her birth and the conclusion of her centennial year celebrations. The ceremony will be held at Ganny??s Garden in Kennebunkport, Maine.
??Today we honor Mrs. Bush not only for her role as first lady, but also for the extraordinary individual she was beyond the White House,?? said Doug Tulino, acting postmaster general of the Postal Service. He praised her determination, compassion, and commitment to creating a meaningful legacy through public service.
Speaking for the Bush family, Dorothy Bush Koch expressed gratitude for the Postal Service??s recognition of her mother and highlighted Barbara Bush??s lifelong dedication to literacy. She noted that the stamp represents a lasting tribute to her mother??s devotion to family, her humor and intelligence, and her belief that everyone should have the opportunity to learn essential reading and writing skills.
Barbara Pierce Bush (1925?C2018), wife of George H. W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States, served as first lady from 1989 to 1993. She was also the mother of George W. Bush, who later became the nation??s 43rd president.
Born in New York City, Barbara Bush spent her childhood in Rye, New York, before attending a boarding school in South Carolina. At the age of 16, she met George H. W. Bush at a holiday dance in Connecticut while he was home from school. The two began a relationship through letters and became engaged 18 months later.
The couple married on January 6, 1945. While George Bush attended Yale University, Barbara gave birth to their first child, George W., in 1946. Their second child, Robin, died from leukemia at the age of three, a loss that deeply affected the family. Between 1953 and 1959, Barbara and George welcomed four more children: Jeb, Neil, Marvin, and Dorothy.
Barbara Bush??s decades of political involvement began in 1962 when she supported her husband during his campaign for chairman of the Harris County Republican Party in Texas. Over the following years, George Bush??s career expanded from U.S. representative to United Nations ambassador, Republican National Committee chairman, U.S. liaison chief in China, director of the Central Intelligence Agency, vice president, and eventually president. Throughout these many transitions, including approximately 30 family moves connected to military, business, and political responsibilities, Barbara remained a constant source of support for her husband and children.
After George Bush??s unsuccessful presidential campaign in 1980, he became Ronald Reagan??s vice presidential running mate. Following their election victory, Barbara Bush became second lady. Her interest in literacy grew from personal experience with her son Neil??s dyslexia, leading her to become a national advocate for improving reading skills. In 1984, she published her first children??s book, ??C. Fred??s Story,?? narrated from the perspective of the family??s cocker spaniel, with proceeds benefiting literacy organizations.
Barbara Bush continued to stand beside her husband during his successful 1988 presidential campaign. After winning the election, George H. W. Bush was inaugurated as president on January 20, 1989, and Barbara became first lady of the United States.
The Barbara Bush stamp features a portrait detail adapted from the official 2005 White House portrait, which is part of the White House Collection and provided through the White House Historical Association. The commemorative Forever? stamp will be issued in panes of 20.
