The United States will issue a stamp honoring the late President Gerald R. Ford on Aug. 31.
The design of the stamp, a portrait by Michael J. Deas, will be issued Aug. 31. Stamp dedication ceremonies will be in Rancho Mirage, Calif., and at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Mich.
The stamp was unveiled June 11 at the annual Gerald R. Ford Foundation dinner. “Throughout his more than three decades of public service, Gerald Ford gave so much to this nation,� said Postmaster General John E. Potter. “This stamp personifies his strong character as a courageous and principled leader who successfully healed the nation at a critical time in our history.�
The Fords’ children, Mike, Jack, Steve and Susan were joined by Vice President Dick Cheney and Potter at the dinner.
“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.�
Stamp designer Deas has produced several U.S. stamps, and his work has also appeared on the cover of Time magazine.
Pictures of the ceremony can be seen here and here.
Deceased presidents can be pictured on a U.S. stamp on the first birth anniversary after their death. By policy, at least, no one else can be honored until at least five years after their death.