President George H.W. Bush’s lifelong commitment to public service was hailed during a special dedication ceremony last week for the new stamp honoring him.
“In his 94 years, President Bush taught us how to serve, how to live and how to love,” said USPS Board of Governors Chairman Robert M. Duncan, who served as the dedicating official.
The ceremony was held in Washington, DC, where Duncan and other speakers discussed their personal connections to the late president and their admiration for him.
At age 18, Bush became one of the youngest pilots in the Navy during World War II.
After the war, he served as a U.S. House member, ambassador to the United Nations, chairman of the Republican National Committee, chief of the U.S. Liaison Office in China, director of central intelligence, vice president and finally, president.
During his presidential administration (1989-1993), Bush led a multinational coalition to victory and successfully forced Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait during the Persian Gulf War.
He also signed historic legislation that prohibits discrimination against those with disabilities.
In retirement, Bush worked to help victims of natural disasters in Asia, the Caribbean and the United States.
During her remarks, Postmaster General Megan J. Brennan discussed the former president’s long history of writing and mailing letters to friends, family and constituents.
“President Bush’s letters reflected the kind of person he was — thoughtful, considerate, compassionate and concerned,” Brennan said.
Other participants in the ceremony included U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao; U.S. Rep. Kevin P. Brady of Texas; Margaret Bush, a daughter-in-law of the former president; two of his grandchildren, Sam LeBlond and Ellie LeBlond Sosa; and Deputy Postmaster General Ronald A. Stroman.
The stamp, which USPS released in June, features a portrait of the former president painted by renowned artist Michael J. Deas.
The image, Duncan said, “perfectly captures the spirit and essence of this remarkable man.”
