Posted on 02/08/2005 6:00:54 PM PST by wagglebee
The nation's 40th president, Ronald Reagan, will once again have his uplifting image featured across the country - and in time immemorial- when the U.S. Postal Service launches a new stamp in his honor today.
A first-date-of-issue for the stamps, which bear a broadly smiling image of the late commander-in-chief, will take place during a dedication ceremony at his Simi Valley, Calif. presidential library and museum, postal officials said. Other dedications are also scheduled to take place at the state capitol building in Sacramento and in Washington, D.C.
The essence of Reagan, who was always known for his quick wit and self-depreciating sense of humor, is embodied in the stamp's image.
Unveiling the stamp's image at Reagan's presidential library Nov. 9, Postmaster General John E. Potter joined former first lady Nancy Reagan to praise the man widely credited with defeating global communism and paving the road to end the decades-long Cold War with the former Soviet Union.
"The United States Postal Service is honoring the man who was known by his fellow Americans as the great communicator," Potter said. "As a communicator, he understood the value of the written word—the handwritten word. Perhaps that's why he wrote—and mailed—more than 10,000 letters during his incredible lifetime."
'Radiated Confidence'
For Nancy Reagan, the stamp embodies the "honor of a lifetime" she said her husband felt "to serve as president." She said, "He would be very touched by the special tribute. The stamp really captures Ronnie's humor and optimism, and I hope the American people will like it as much as I do."
Of Reagan's smiling image, Potter says it "radiated confidence" while signaling that "he believed in himself and in us, his fellow countrymen."
"Through that confidence and shared belief, we knew that we could achieve great things," Potter said.
Besides the stamp, the USPS will also release commemorative lapel pins, key chains, pens and other Reagan memorabilia, the Shaw News Service reported.
Though critics abound, Reagan has been widely hailed as one of the greatest American presidents ever, and certainly one of the most acclaimed of the last century. So it would seem almost a given that the USPS would honor him with a stamp.
Only, it's not up to the Postal Service, interestingly enough.
Melissa Dodge, a spokeswoman for the agency, told Newsmax.com a semi-independent panel decides which images or personalities appear on stamps.
"Stamps in general are determined by the … Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC)," she said. "The Postal Service doesn't decide." The committee reflects "a wide range of educational, artistic, historical and professional expertise," she said, adding the USPS does have some role in the selection process, but not a primary one.
"The selection of subjects for U.S. postage stamps and stationery is a difficult task, since only a limited number of new commemorative items can be issued annually," said Dodge. "The public suggests almost all subjects chosen to appear on U.S. postage stamps and stationery. The independent committee selects about 25 new subjects a year for recommendation to the Postmaster General."
Regarding Reagan, Dodge said there were criteria for presidents and others who appear on stamps. "They are eligible [only] after their death and after their birthday," she said, noting Reagan was born Feb. 6, 1911. He died from complications due to Alzheimer's disease June 5, 2004, at 93.
Normally, says USPS tradition, the agency doesn't honor prominent Americans sooner than 10 years after their death. An exception is made for presidents, however, "who may be honored with a postage stamp as soon as the first anniversary following death." Reagan served in the White House from 1981 to 1989.
Equally impressive is that, even in death, Reagan's acclaim shows no signs of abating.
Dodge said the USPS expected heavier-than-normal sales for the late president's stamp, so the print run will be larger than usual. "We have consultants who help us determine the number" of stamps to print, she said.
Remembering the Man
Reagan was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 1994. In a farewell letter to the nation, he was still optimistic. He wrote: "I am now starting the journey that will take me into the sunset of my life, but I know for America there will always be a brighter day ahead... I only wish I could spare my dear Nancy the pain of this terrible ordeal but sadly I cannot... thank you for letting me serve as your President... good luck my friends may God always bless you."
But long before the disease took his life, the former and late president had a brush with death early in his presidential career. He was shot and wounded by John Hinckley, Jr., a deranged man who told authorities he wanted to assassinate Reagan to impress actress Jodie Foster, on March 30, 1981, in Washington, D.C.
In a hail of six bullets fired by Hinckley, Reagan was hit under the left arm and seriously wounded. But because the special exploding bullet malfunctioned, he was not killed, ballistic experts said.
Also wounded were Washington, D.C. police officer Thomas Delahanty, Secret Service Agent Timothy McCarthy, and Reagan Press Secretary James Brady, the latter in the head and seriously enough to confine him to a wheelchair for the rest of his life.
The next year Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity, but has largely been confined to a mental hospital in D.C. since (he has been allowed some supervised and unsupervised visits out of the hospital).
Following the first-date-of-issue ceremony at the Reagan presidential library, the stamp will also be dedicated on the steps of the California state capitol building in Sacramento, say officials of DefendReagan.org, a group dedicated to preserving intact the memory and accomplishments of the former actor and California governor.
There will also be a ceremony in Washington, D.C., featuring—among other guests—singer/entertainers Lee Greenwood and Crystal Gayle. They will join Potter, former Reagan administration officials, and members of Congress to dedicate the stamp at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.
"What a tremendous tribute to former President Ronald Reagan," Greenwood said. "I am humbled by his contribution to this country and consider it an honor not only to be invited to the First Day of Issue Ceremony, but to perform once again as I have many times before during his presidency."
Gayle added, "President Reagan was a gentleman, a scholar and a noble leader who left a distinguished and everlasting impression in our American history. He is deserving of this recognition and so much more."
In his hometown of Tampico, Ill., some residents said they were also eagerly awaiting the stamp's release, the Morris Daily Herald reported. Reagan grew up in nearby Dixon, then attended college in Eureka, where he graduated in 1932.
After college Reagan's first taste of success and notoriety came via acting, where he starred in a number of movie and television roles. After films he turned to politics, eventually becoming the 33rd governor of California, from 1967 to 1975.
His movie credits include:
"Love Is on the Air" (1937) "Sergeant Murphy" (1938) "Swing Your Lady" (1938) "Hollywood Hotel" (1938) "Accidents Will Happen" (1938) "Cowboy From Brooklyn" (1938) "Boy Meets Girl" (1938) "Girls on Probation" (1938) "Brother Rat" (1938) "Going Places" (1938) "Secret Service of the Air" (1939) "Dark Victory" (1939) "Code of the Secret Service" (1939) "Naughty but Nice" (1939) "Hell's Kitchen" (1939) "Angels Wash Their Faces" (1939) "Smashing the Money Ring" (1939) "Brother Rat and a Baby" (1940) "An Angel From Texas" (1940) "Murder in the Air" (1940) "Knute Rockne - All American" (1940) "Tugboat Annie Sails Again" (1940) "Santa Fe Trail" (1940) "The Bad Man" (1941) "Million Dollar Baby" (1941) "Nine Lives Are Not Enough" (1941) "International Squadron" (1941) "Kings Row" (1942) "Juke Girl" (1942) "Desperate Journey" (1942) "This Is the Army" (1943) "Stallion Road" (1947) "That Hagen Girl" (1947) "The Voice of the Turtle" (1947) "John Loves Mary" (1949) "Night Unto Night" (1949) "The Girl From Jones Beach" (1949) "It's a Great Feeling" (cameo) (1949) "The Hasty Heart" (1949) "Louisa" (1950) "Storm Warning" (1951) "Bedtime for Bonzo" (1951) "The Last Outpost" (1951) "Hong Kong" (1952) "The Winning Team" (1952) "She's Working Her Way Through College" (1952) "Tropic Zone" (1953) "Law and Order" (1953) "Prisoner of War" (1954) "Cattle Queen of Montana" (1954) "Tennessee's Partner" (1955) "Hellcats of the Navy" (1957) "The Killers" (1964)
Is there a bigger picture of it around? Not the one with Nancy blocking part of it, I would like a nice clean, large shot, suitable for using as the background on my PC.
self deprecating. these are matters of general education. "uuuuuuuhhhhhhhh," said Lurch.
http://shop.usps.com/cgi-bin/vsbv/postal_store_non_ssl/display_products/preOrder.jsp?OID=4849271&QTY=1&orderType=PRE
http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?p=reagan+postage&ei=UTF-8&fr=FP-tab-img-t&fl=0&x=wrt
Your point?
well even Nancy said the dime thing was a bit much but I'll agree that Rushmore is a very serious proposal that should eventually be looked into.......though since Washingotn already is on the most prevalant one dollar bill, I wouldn't be against Reagan getting on the dime......that would just kill the libs having to have a headbust of Reagan in there pockets all the time
FDR is on the dime now, he is the left's "patron saint," but he also was the creator of big government, it's fitting that a socialist should be replaced by the man who is one of the founders of conservativism and tried to end big government.
haha.....i just read what I wrote....god, you'd think I had started my friday drinking or something......I don't know, FDR while not as effective as most think did steer us through the worst war ever......and he did that pretty effectively whether you like him individually or not... Don't know if it is right to get rid of him that easily
Beloved President Reagan deserves to be every place. I pray to him to watch out over our beloved America.
I like it. A great pic of him.
Put him on a dollar coin, and it will finally circulate.
While I agree that FDR did guide the nation through WW II and keep up the nation's spirits, it was men like Ike, Patton, MacArthur, Nimitz, Halsey who won the war.
Thank you. Words mean things.
Regards,
CD
Leave the dime and Mt. Rushmore as is. I'd like a Gipper $.50 coin in a totally new size and weight, more useable than the stupid $1 coins produced recently.
LOL, we need to buy a million of these and use them FOREVER on EVERYTHING. :D
The dollar coin is about the only thing the Canadians have done right.
yes I know all about WWII history but give the man his due.......that is like saying George Bush didn't win the Iraq war, the troops did....but you have to give the commander in chief his due whether it be Bush or FDR. In fact, some think that was really the only effectual thing he did....I studied alot of the Pacific Theater in ROTC and before....kind of a WWII junky back then......
One of the Nation's greatest Presidents. I am proud to say I voted for him twice!
nobody like the .50 cent coins much either.....gotta be on a coin that everyone uses quite a bit.....50 center's and dollar coins are kind of a waste
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.