Office of the First Lady
Today, First Lady Melania Trump hosted a special ceremony unveiling the United States Postal Service commemorative stamp honoring the life and legacy of First Lady Barbara Bush at the White House. Surrounded by members of the Bush family, friends, former Bush staff, and distinguished guests, Mrs. Trump delivered remarks highlighting Barbara Bush’s enduring impact on the Nation and her steadfast devotion to family, literacy, and service.
“Barbara’s unwavering conviction, dignity, and deep loyalty to her loved ones have left an indelible mark on our hearts and history,” said First Lady Melania Trump. “The unveiling of this commemorative stamp honors Barbara Bush’s contributions as First Lady and her enduring impact on our Nation. May this tribute inspire us to lead with compassion, act with strength, and uphold the values that direct us toward a meaningful existence.”
Mrs. Trump was joined by Doro Bush Koch, daughter of Barbara Bush; Alice Yates, CEO of the George & Barbara Bush Foundation; and Judy de Torok, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at the U.S. Postal Service, who all joined in emphasizing Mrs. Bush’s legacy as a trailblazer whose commitment to literacy and family influenced the role of First Lady and left a lasting imprint on American society.
The Office of First Lady Melania Trump extended its sincere appreciation to all participating organizations and individuals who made this tribute possible, including the White House Historical Association for contributing the official portrait of First Lady Barbara Bush for the commemorative stamp.
Full remarks of First Lady Melania Trump as prepared for delivery:
Thank you, Doro, for the beautiful introduction and welcome back to the White House as we honor the life and legacy of your mother, First Lady Barbara Bush. Barbara’s unwavering conviction, dignity, and deep loyalty to her loved ones have left an indelible mark on our hearts and history. Your mother’s values can be seen in her family, friends, and former staff who also join us here today, and continue her legacy.
Many thanks to Alice Yates, CEO of the George & Barbara Bush Foundation, for joining us today. Along with the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, you are helping current and future generations to navigate the world with confidence and dignity.
And, I would like to thank the White House Historical Association and the United States Postal Service, especially Judy de Torok, who made today’s event possible.
Strong American families are the foundation of a healthy society and serve as a stepping-stone towards building a better world. The dynamics within American households shape our Nation’s core values, strengths, and collective wisdom.
It is within the privacy of our homes that the principles of morality, ambition, and empathy take root. The family unit serves as our first line of foresight, often more influential than the decisions made in Washington, D.C.
Barbara Bush’s iconic commencement address at Wellesley College in 1990 remains an important moment in the conversation surrounding women’s roles in society. Her message, which emphasized the importance of family and personal integrity, encouraged women to carve their own paths in life.
Mrs. Bush exclaimed, “Your success as a family—our success as a society—depends not on what happens in the White House, but on what happens inside your house.” The First Lady further inspired her audience by highlighting the importance of pursuing personal dreams, stating, “The winner of the hoop race will be the first to realize her dream. Not society’s dreams, her own personal dream. Who knows—somewhere out in this audience may even be someone who will one day follow in my footsteps and preside over the White House, and I wish him well.”
Over 35 years have passed since Barbara Bush made the call for a female American president, a reflection of her forward-thinking vision. As a devoted mother and one of only two First Ladies whose son also ascended to the presidency, she embodied the complex interplay of ambition and identity that defines us all.
Mrs. Bush’s legacy is marked by her respect for tradition while also breaking with convention. While she is known for championing literacy, she also supported women’s empowerment, changed the national conversation on AIDS, and took a stance supporting gay rights.
I applaud Mrs. Bush’s mark defending our society’s vital need for women across all avenues, whether CEO or homemaker. We have, can, and will build better families and run innovative businesses at the same time, ultimately shaping a brighter future.
The unveiling of this commemorative stamp honors Barbara Bush’s contributions as First Lady and her enduring impact on our Nation. May this tribute inspire us to lead with compassion, act with strength, and uphold the values that direct us toward a meaningful existence.