Melania Trump Unveils Stamp Honoring Barbara Bush Legacy/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ First Lady Melania Trump unveiled a new U.S. postage stamp honoring former First Lady Barbara Bush during a White House ceremony. Joined by Doro Bush Koch, Melania praised Bush’s legacy of compassion, strength, and advocacy for literacy. The stamp, featuring a portrait by artist Charles Fagan, celebrates Bush’s impact on American history.
Barbara Bush Stamp Unveiling Quick Looks
- Melania Trump hosted the stamp ceremony at the White House
- Barbara Bush praised for dignity, literacy advocacy, compassion
- Stamp features artwork by American artist Charles Fagan
- Bush’s daughter, Doro Koch, shared personal stories and tributes
- Event attended by Bush family members and former staffers
- Stamp celebrates Bush’s AIDS advocacy and support for women
- USPS and Bush Foundation leaders joined the unveiling
- Melania highlights Barbara Bush’s groundbreaking 1990 Wellesley speech
Deep Look
Melania Trump Honors Barbara Bush with Commemorative USPS Stamp
WASHINGTON, D.C. — First Lady Melania Trump led a heartfelt ceremony Thursday in the East Room of the White House, unveiling a new U.S. Postal Service commemorative stamp in honor of former First Lady Barbara Bush.
Joined by Bush’s youngest daughter, Doro Bush Koch, Melania Trump paid tribute to Barbara Bush’s “unwavering conviction, dignity, and loyalty,” saying, “Her legacy lives on not only in history books but in the hearts of everyone she touched.”
“May this tribute inspire us to lead with compassion, act with strength, and uphold the values that direct us toward a meaningful existence,” Trump said.
A Legacy of Literacy, Family, and Courage
Barbara Bush, the wife of President George H. W. Bush and mother of President George W. Bush, served as Second Lady from 1981 to 1989 and First Lady from 1989 to 1993. She left a lasting mark through her championing of literacy, her unshakable family values, and her ability to speak boldly on social issues.
Her daughter, Doro Bush Koch, reflected on her mother’s many roles: loving parent, national leader, and outspoken advocate.
“Mom told her staff she wanted to do something every day to help others — so that’s what she did,” said Koch.
Koch recalled Barbara Bush’s now-iconic 1990 commencement speech at Wellesley College, in which she encouraged graduates to prioritize family and integrity while pursuing their dreams.
Stamp Features Iconic Portrait
The commemorative stamp showcases a portrait of Barbara Bush by Charles Fagan, who attended the event. The image captures the grace and warmth that defined the former first lady’s public persona.
Representatives from the U.S. Postal Service, the George & Barbara Bush Foundation, and family members participated in the unveiling, which drew applause and fond memories.
“It’s unlikely that Mom ever pictured herself on a postage stamp,” Bush Koch joked, “and very likely she’d wonder what all the fuss is about.”
A Record of Courage and Inclusivity
In her remarks, Melania Trump highlighted Barbara Bush’s courage in breaking norms. “She not only advanced literacy, but also supported women’s empowerment, challenged stigma around HIV/AIDS, and took a stand on gay rights,” Trump said.
Koch echoed that message, recalling a defining moment when Barbara Bush cradled an HIV-positive infant — a photo that made headlines and softened public opinion during the height of the AIDS epidemic.
“That simple, compassionate act spoke louder than words ever could,” said Koch. “Mom never shied from speaking the truth or taking a stand.”
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