2012 First-Class Forever Stamp,Lady Bird Johnson Centennial: Plant for More Beautiful Parks

U.S. #4716b

2012 45¢ Plant for More Beautiful Parks

Lady Bird Johnson

Lady Bird Johnson redefined the role of First Lady.  She was the first President’s wife to have her own press secretary and chief of staff.  A former aide to President Johnson said Lady Bird was “the most trusted, most loyal, most dependable person that President Johnson could turn to on any issue.” 

Having earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism, Lady Bird was familiar with the impact of the media on public opinion.  The First Lady often led busloads of newsmen and women on tours of inner-city neighborhoods or natural sites to emphasize the need for improving the environment.  Lady Bird also persuaded Congressional leaders to support the Highway Beautification Bill.  Few First Ladies had ever lobbied for a law.

While President Johnson was still in office, stamps were issued to publicize the law and encourage Americans to take pride in their country by planting flowers and trees.  Each stamp represented a different area improved by the program.

Johnson used her position of influence to change the way America thinks about its surroundings.  She left a lasting example for other First Ladies to follow.  Lady Bird once said she wanted “to be a useful First Lady.”  Looking back at her time in the White House, many believe she surpassed her goal.

In the 1960s, stamps were issued to encourage the beautification of America.  The artwork from those stamps, as well as Lady Bird’s White House portrait, were the inspiration behind the stamps which commemorate her 100th birth anniversary.  The original engraved stamps with art by Walter D. Richards and Gyo Fujikawa were adapted for printing in offset lithography.

Value: 45¢ 1-ounce first-class rate

Issued: November 30, 2012

First Day City: Austin, TX

Type of Stamp: Commemorative

Printed By: Ashton Potter

Printing Method: Offset

Perforations: Die cut 10 3/4

Self-Adhesive

Quantity: 2,000,000

The stamps that inspired the 2012 Lady Bird Johnson issues are U.S. #1318 and U.S. #1368-68.