WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will issue a commemorative stamp honoring the life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter during a public dedication ceremony at The Carter Center in Atlanta on October 1, 2025, coinciding with what would have been the former president’s 101st birthday.
The event will feature remarks from Thomas J. Marshall, USPS general counsel and executive vice president; Jason Carter, Carter’s grandson and chair of The Carter Center Board of Trustees; and Beth Davis, The Carter Center’s chief operating officer and director of scheduling for President Carter’s office. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. EDT and is free and open to the public.
Carter’s Legacy as the 39th President
Born in small-town Georgia, Jimmy Carter rose from humble beginnings to become the 39th president of the United States, taking office on January 20, 1977. Viewed as an outsider to Washington politics, Carter represented a new generation of progressive Southern leaders, emphasizing humility and reconciliation as central themes of his presidency.
During his time in office, Carter made historic appointments, naming numerous women and minorities to prominent government positions. He launched a presidential commission on mental health, established new cabinet departments, and expanded the National Park System along with federally protected wilderness areas.
Economically, Carter faced significant fiscal challenges and pursued efforts to control inflation and balance the federal budget. His administration also championed deregulation across several industries, including energy and air travel, reshaping sectors of the U.S. economy.
Impact on Global Affairs
On the international stage, Carter was widely recognized for his personal diplomacy. He brokered the Camp David Accords in 1978, establishing a framework for peace between Egypt and Israel. He also signed SALT II, a treaty with the Soviet Union aimed at limiting strategic nuclear weapons, and took a historic step by formally establishing diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.
A Legacy Beyond the Presidency
After leaving office, Carter dedicated his life to humanitarian work, championing peace, human rights, and economic development worldwide. In 1982, he partnered with Emory University to establish The Carter Center, which continues to advance democracy, resolve conflicts, and improve public health in underserved regions across the globe.
Carter’s post-presidential contributions earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, cementing his status as one of the most impactful former presidents in U.S. history.
Stamp Design and Significance
The commemorative stamp features a 1982 oil-on-linen life study by artist Herbert E. Abrams, created in preparation for Carter’s official White House portrait. Designed by USPS art director Ethel Kessler, the stamp will be issued as a Forever stamp, maintaining its value equal to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.
USPS officials said the release celebrates Carter’s enduring contributions to American society and global peace. The dedication ceremony at The Carter Center is expected to draw members of the public, dignitaries, and supporters honoring a president whose influence extended far beyond his years in office.
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