In a heartfelt ceremony held in the historic East Room of the White House, a new forever postage stamp featuring the portrait of former first lady Betty Ford was unveiled on Wednesday afternoon. The event, attended by dignitaries including First Lady Jill Biden, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, and Ford’s daughter Susan Ford Bales, celebrated the enduring legacy of a woman who dedicated her life to advocacy and public service.
Betty Ford, who passed away in 2011, was not only the wife of the 38th President of the United States, Gerald Ford, but also a trailblazer in her own right. The stamp unveiling highlighted her remarkable contributions to women’s health and breast cancer awareness, particularly her courageous decision to openly discuss her own battle with breast cancer in 1974. Furthermore, Ford’s candid revelation of her struggles with prescription medication and alcohol addiction in 1978 paved the way for greater awareness and understanding of addiction issues in America.
Throughout her life, Betty Ford demonstrated resilience and compassion, using her own experiences to help others overcome adversity. The establishment of treatment centers across the country, including the renowned Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, stands as a testament to her commitment to supporting individuals in their journey towards recovery.
During the ceremony, speakers reflected on Ford’s profound impact on future generations, emphasizing her ability to transform personal challenges into opportunities for growth and purpose. First Lady Jill Biden remarked that Ford’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that individuals are defined not by their worst moments, but by their capacity to find meaning in life’s trials and tribulations.
Susan Ford Bales, Ford’s daughter, spoke passionately about her mother’s unwavering dedication to breaking the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health issues. She emphasized that seeking treatment is not a sign of weakness but a courageous step towards renewal and healing.
Joseph Lee, president of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, described Betty Ford as a “national treasure” whose advocacy replaced shame and isolation with dignity and community support for millions of Americans struggling with sickness and addiction.
The unveiling of the Betty Ford forever postage stamp marks a fitting tribute to a remarkable woman whose compassion, resilience, and commitment to service continue to inspire generations. Scheduled to be available starting April 5, the stamp will serve as a lasting reminder of Betty Ford’s enduring legacy as a champion for women’s health and a beacon of hope for all those facing adversity.