First lady Melania Trump has long demonstrated a strong appreciation for the history of the White House as well as of those who have been privileged enough to occupy it, and that fact was evident last week during a special ceremony held in the East Room.
As Fox News reports, Mrs. Trump hosted an event that served as the official announcement of a commemorative stamp intended to honor the achievements and lasting legacy of former first lady Barbara Bush, wife of former President George H.W. Bush, though President Donald Trump was notably not in attendance.
Joining Mrs. Trump at the stamp's rollout was Doro Bush Koch, daughter of the former president and first lady, George & Barbara Bush Foundation CEO Alice Yates, and Judy de Torok, U.S. Postal Service vice president of corporate affairs.
Also on hand was Charles Fagan, the American artist responsible for the portrait of Mrs. Bush that is featured on the stamp, and he was joined by a host of Bush family members and friends as well as former staffers from the Bush White House.
Mrs. Trump paid tribute to the honoree, saying, “Barbara's unwavering conviction, dignity and deep loyalty to her loved ones have left an indelible mark on our hearts and history.”
The current first lady went on, “The unveiling of this commemorative stamp honors Barbara Bush's contributions as first lady and her enduring impact on our nation. May this tribute inspire us to lead with compassion, act with strength, and uphold the values that direct us toward a meaningful existence.”
Bush Koch spoke movingly about her late mother, highlighting her commitment to literacy and other worthy causes, noting, “Mom told her staff that she wanted to do something every day to help others, so that's what she did.”
The U.S. Postal Service issued a press release of its own detailing the event held at the White House, noting that the stamp's issuance is meant to celebrate the centennial anniversary of Mrs. Bush's birth.
Acting Postmaster Doug Tulino shared the agency's enthusiasm for the unveiling, declaring, “Today we recognize Mrs. Bush not only as a beloved first lady, but as a remarkable American in her own right.”
Tulino added, “She charted a legacy for herself and did it with conviction, determination, and compassion.”
Sales of the stamp were set to begin this weekend in panes of 20, with the official 2005 White House portrait of Mrs. Bush taking center stage.
The Postal Service further noted that a dedication ceremony for the stamp will be held on June 10 in Kennebunkport, Maine at a cherished Bush family location known as Ganny's Garden.
Mrs. Trump was the sole representative of the first couple at the event honoring Mrs. Bush, as the president himself did not attend, a decision also made by former President George W. Bush and wife, Laura Bush.
Whether these absences were due to ongoing hostility between the Bushes and Mr. Trump, scheduling conflicts, or something else entirely is an open question likely to go unanswered.
