The Postal Service dedicated its stamp honoring William F. Buckley Jr. in a ceremony at Yale University on Sept. 9.
Buckley (1925-2008) was a prominent author, columnist and television host who helped define the conservative movement of the mid-20th century as one of its most recognizable spokesmen.
In 1955, he founded National Review magazine, a leading conservative publication.
Eleven years later, he created “Firing Line,” an Emmy Award-winning public affairs TV program that featured spirited discussions on the issues of the day. His eloquence and wit endeared him to people across the political spectrum, and he was famous for his friendships with people he disagreed with.
“The Postal Service takes great pride in our stamps and the unique opportunity they offer to tell the story of America, and we believe William F. Buckley Jr. is deserving of this honor,” said Isaac Cronkhite, the Postal Service’s chief processing and distribution officer, who spoke at the ceremony.
“As one of our most influential public intellectuals, a prolific author, a television host, and friend to many people across the political spectrum, Mr. Buckley was a fierce believer that democracy is strengthened by engaging seriously with those who have different perspectives and ideas.”
Joining Cronkhite for the ceremony were Pericles Lewis, dean of Yale College; Lauren Noble, founder and executive director of the Buckley Institute; George F. Will, author and columnist; and Christopher Buckley, author and William F. Buckley’s son.
“My father earned many laurels over the course of his remarkable career,” said Christopher Buckley. “He’d have been delighted, proud and — there’s no other way to put it — downright tickled by this splendid honor, on the centenary year of his birth.”
The stamp features a black-and-white portrait of Buckley based on a photograph taken by Steve Schapiro in the 1960s. Artist Dale Stephanos used graphite and charcoal on hot-press watercolor paper. Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp.
The Forever stamp is available in sheets of 20 at Post Offices and on usps.com.
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