Forever stamp honoring former first lady Betty Ford unveiled
RANCHO MIRAGE >> A commemorative forever stamp honoring former first lady Betty Ford was unveiled today in her adopted hometown of Rancho Mirage, where her daughter and others gathered for the dedication ceremony.
“With this magnificent stamp, the Postal Service and the American people pay tribute to a woman of extraordinary courage and candor, to a transformative first lady and to a devoted wife,” Susan Ford Bales said. “In so doing, they honor a woman that, today and in my every tomorrow, I am so proud to call mom.”
The commemoration of Ford's life and legacy took place at Eisenhower Health's Annenberg Health Sciences Building, where the new stamp was displayed. It is based on an oil-on-canvass portrait of Ford from 1977, depicting her seated and wearing a pale blue chiffon dress. The words “Betty Ford” are printed on the bottom edge.
Because it's a forever stamp, it will always equal the value of any first-class stamp priced for mail an ounce or less in weight, according to the U.S. Postal Service.
Ford's birthday would have been April 8, and USPS Board of Governors Vice Chair Amber McReynolds described the stamp as a “fitting” tribute to a woman who “was an outspoken and enthusiastic supporter of women's rights and aspirations.”
“Our organization has a proud record of providing opportunities for women throughout its history,” McReynolds said. “The first female postmaster, Mary Katharine Goddard, took office in Baltimore all the way back in 1775, and today, more than half of all postmasters are women.”
Ford, a Chicago native, was an alcoholic and prescription drug addict until she beat the habits after being diagnosed with breast cancer, as chronicled in her 1978 autobiography, “The Times of My Life.”
Her experiences led her to found the Betty Ford Clinic, focusing on treating substance abuse disorders in a residential setting. The first of the nonprofits was established in Rancho Mirage more than 40 years ago. Now there are multiple clinics nationwide.
“There are times when courageous people stand up and change the conversation for America,” Dr. Joseph Lee, CEO of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, said. “Betty Ford did that for both breast cancer and addiction -- replacing shame and isolation with dignity, community and equitable care.”
“Thanks to her, millions of people in this country felt seen for the very first time,” he said. “And that is why Betty Ford is a national treasure and why all of us feel inspired for a lifetime to carry her charge.”
Former President Gerald Ford and his wife ultimately settled down in the Coachella Valley after he left office in the late 1970s. They both died in Rancho Mirage — the former president in 2006 at the age 93, and Betty Ford five years later at the same age.
The former first lady's stamp will be issued in panes of 20, according to the Postal Service.