Reagan Stamp

The nation's 40th president, Ronald Reagan, will once again have his uplifting image featured across the country - and in time immemorial- when the U.S. Postal Service launches a new stamp in his honor today.

A first-date-of-issue for the stamps, which bear a broadly smiling image of the late commander-in-chief, will take place during a dedication ceremony at his Simi Valley, Calif. presidential library and museum, postal officials said. Other dedications are also scheduled to take place at the state capitol building in Sacramento and in Washington, D.C.

The essence of Reagan, who was always known for his quick wit and self-depreciating sense of humor, is embodied in the stamp's image.

Unveiling the stamp's image at Reagan's presidential library Nov. 9, Postmaster General John E. Potter joined former first lady Nancy Reagan to praise the man widely credited with defeating global communism and paving the road to end the decades-long Cold War with the former Soviet Union.

"The United States Postal Service is honoring the man who was known by his fellow Americans as the great communicator," Potter said. "As a communicator, he understood the value of the written word—the handwritten word. Perhaps that's why he wrote—and mailed—more than 10,000 letters during his incredible lifetime."

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