The First Lady, Melania Trump, unveiled a new U.S. postage stamp in honor of Barbara Bush. It was a White House ceremony that celebrated not only a beloved First Lady but an unwavering advocate for literacy, social progress, and the kind of devoted family values that resonate in homes from Lubbock to Lewiston.
“Barbara’s legacy, marked by conviction, dignity, and a steadfast loyalty to her loved ones, has left a deep and lasting impression on the canvas of our nation’s history,” said the First Lady, her voice echoing through the East Room, a testament to the enduring impact of Barbara’s life and work.
The stamp is more than an image. It’s a tribute to Barbara Bush’s contributions as a First Lady and an advocate for literacy and women’s empowerment. The portrait, painted in 1995 by artist Chas Fagan, features Barbara’s soft smile and her signature multistrand pearl necklace—a symbol of her grace and strength. The image was one of her favorites, and now it’s immortalized in ink, a testament to the woman she was.
“Mrs. Bush’s legacy is marked by her respect for tradition while also breaking with convention,” Melania Trump noted. And make no mistake about it, Barbara Bush was an advocate for change. She championed literacy, supported women’s empowerment, shifted the national conversation on AIDS, and stood up for gay rights. She defended the need for women across all strata of society, from CEO to homemaker, to have a voice and a place at the table.
Barbara Bush, the wife of the late President George H.W. Bush and mother of former President George W. Bush, passed away in 2018 at 92. She holds the unique distinction of being one of only two women in American history to be both a First Lady and the mother of a U.S. President.
While some members of the Bush family, including daughter Dorothy Bush Koch, were on hand for the unveiling, others, including George W. Bush, were noticeably absent.
How do we honor those who have shaped our nation’s history? The Postal Service’s answer? Commemorative stamps. The release is part of a broader effort to honor influential American figures, from renowned photographer Ansel Adams to the late civil rights champion, Rep. John Lewis.
These stamps are more than just postage—they’re a reflection of our society’s values, a tribute to those who have dedicated their lives to public service, activism, and art. They remind us that our nation’s story is a tapestry, woven with the threads of countless individual stories.