Former President Jimmy Carter is forever honored by the U.S. Postal Service
The life and legacy of the late former president Jimmy Carter will be commemorated with a stamp by the U.S. Postal Service, the federal agency said in a news release last week.
The U.S. Postal Service announced the stamp on Oct. 1, which would’ve been Carter’s 101st birthday. The stamp is an image of an oil-on-linen painting from 1982 by Herbert Abrams in preparation for painting the former president’s official portrait for The White House, according to the news release.
“Born in 1924 in Plains, Georgia — a town of just 600 people — Jimmy Carter’s story is one of humble beginnings leading to a lifetime of extraordinary service,” said Thomas J. Marshall, general counsel and executive vice president of the U.S. Postal Service. “During his presidency from 1977 to 1981, he confronted many challenges and achieved many milestones. But perhaps the most remarkable chapter began after he left the White House.”
“Rather than retreating to a comfortable retirement, he and his wife, Rosalynn, embarked on what many consider the most consequential post-presidency in American history,” Marshall said.
The stamp honors Carter’s work as president and the Postal Service’s influence in his life. Carter’s uncle’s postcards inspired the former president to join the Navy. Messages from his mother during her time in India with the Peace Corps “set the example for him that a life of purpose doesn’t end in your 50s when one career path concludes,” according to Beth Davis, The Carter Center’s chief operating officer.
“The culmination of this inspiration led to President Carter’s idea for The Carter Center, where he spent more than 40 years, together with Mrs. Carter, waging peace, fighting disease and building hope worldwide,” Davis said.
The Jimmy Carter stamp will always be equal in value to the current first-class mail one-ounce price, according to the Postal Service’s news release.
Customers may purchase the stamps through the Postal Store, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail or by visiting post office locations nationwide.
