USPS Stamp News: President Gerald R. Ford Commemorative Stamp Image Unveiled

President Ford's children joined Vice President Richard Cheney and Postmaster General John Potter in unveiling the Gerald R. Ford Commemorative stamp. From left: the Postmaster General, the Vice President, Susan Ford Bales, Steve Ford, Jack Ford and Mike Ford.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Gerald R. Ford’s four children joined Postmaster General John E. Potter this evening in unveiling the commemorative stamp image honoring their father, the Nation’s 38th President, during the annual Gerald R. Ford Foundation dinner.

The 41-cent commemorative stamp will be issued nationwide August 31, with special stamp dedication ceremonies taking place in Rancho Mirage, Calif., and at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Mich.

“Throughout his more than three decades of public service, Gerald Ford gave so much to this Nation,” said Potter before an audience of nearly 200, including many who had served with President Ford during his congressional and White House years. “This stamp personifies his strong character as a courageous and principled leader who successfully healed the nation at a critical time in our history.”

President Ford's daughter Susan Ford Bales stated, “Dad would be very proud to be honored by the Nation through this U.S. postage stamp. Mother and our family are deeply grateful to the Postal Service for creating this wonderful tribute to Dad.”

President and Mrs. Ford’s children, Mike, Jack, Steve and Susan, joined by Vice President Cheney and Postmaster General Potter, unveiled an 11 ft. image of the stamp at the Foundation dinner.

The stamp art is a portrait of President Ford painted by award-winning artist Michael J. Deas, who has produced several stamps for the Postal Service. His work has also appeared on the cover of Time magazine.

The Foundation dinner also included presentation of the 2007 Gerald R. Ford Medals for Distinguished Service to former Secretary of State James A. Baker, III and former Congressman Lee Hamilton (D) Ind. They received the medals in recognition of their decades of extraordinary service to the Nation.

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An independent federal agency, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that visits 146 million homes and businesses, six days a week. It has 37,000 retail locations and relies on the sale of postage, products, and services to cover its operating expenses. The Postal Service has annual revenues of $73 billion and delivers nearly half the world’s mail.

The Gerald R. Ford Foundation is a private, non-profit corporation whose primary mission is to support the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum, through historical exhibits, educational programs, conferences, research grants and awards. In fulfilling its mission, the Foundation seeks to honor the principles and values demonstrated by President Ford throughout his public service career. The Foundation also seeks to educate Americans about the unique history and significant events of the Ford presidency. Finally, the Foundation seeks to enhance public understanding of American history and government, particularly the presidency.