Description
Description
This stamp from the U.S. Postal Service commemorates Nancy Reagan (1921-2016), wife of the 40th president, Ronald Reaganand first lady of the United States from 1981 to 1989. Her husband's most trusted advisor and champion, she was an importantpart of one of the most pivotal presidencies of the 20th centuny.
The stamp art is a detall from the official 1987 White House portrait by Aaron Shikler. The oi-on-canvas portrait features Mrs.Reagan dressed in her signature red color, in a flowing gown designed by James Galanos. The ful-body portrait was cropped toaccommodate the stamp fommat.
Maried in 1952, the Reagans moved from Southern California to Sacramento when Ronald Reagan was elected governor ofCalifornia in 1966. While first lady of California, Mrs. Reagan became involved with Foster Grandparents, a program that pairsolder adults with special-needs children in their community. Mrs. Reagan also took an interest in returning Vietnam veterans andbecame active in projects concerning prisoners of war (POWs) and servicemen missing in action in Asia
In 1980, Ronald Reagan won the presidential election, and in danuary 1981, Nancy Reagan entered the White House as first lady.During her husband's two terms in ofice, she would prove to be one of his most important and influential advisors, providingunwavering support for the president.
As first lady, Mrs. Reagan was involved in public-service campaigns that were important to her, including continuance of her workwith the Foster Grandparents organization. n the 1980s, she sponsored an effort to raise awareness of drug abuse among thenation's youth.
After leaving the White House, the Reagans returned to Califormia, looking fonward to retirement. in November 1994, the formerpresident announced that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. ln 1995, the couple established the Ronald and NancyReagan Research lnstitute, which is afiliated with the Alzheimer's Association, and raised milions of dollars to fund research. Mrs.Reagan cared for her husband at home until his death on June 5, 2004.
Mrs. Reagan's devotion to her husband's success and her legacy of public service made her one of the most influential first ladiesin modern times.
Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp.
The Nancy Reagan stamp is being issued in panes of 20 Forever@ stamps. This Forever stamp wil always be equal in value to thecurrent First-Class Mail® one-ounce price.
Made in the USA.