President Ronald Reagan is being honored posthumously by the U.S. Postal Service. On Tuesday, Nancy Reagan, the former First Lady joined the Postmaster General, John E. Potter and Frederick J. Ryan, Jr., president, chief operating officer and vice chairman of Allbritton Communications Company in unveiling a stamp in recognition of America's 40th president.

President Reagan served in The White House from 1981 to 1989.

Frederick Ryan served as Chief of Staff to President Reagan from 1989 until 1995. Today, he is chairman of the Reagan Foundation, in addition to his role at Allbritton.

Reagan, known as "the great communicator" died, at the age of 93, on June 5, 2004. He was born on February 6, 1911.

The Postal Service typically honors prominent Americans with a stamp no sooner than 10 years after their death. However, Reagan will be commemorated just days after his February 6th birthday.

Today's unveiling celebration took place at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library at 40 Presidential Drive in Simi Valley, California.

Musical entertainment was performed by Monica Mancini, Concord Recording Artist and daughter of Henry Mancini.

Postmaster Potter said:

As a communicator, [President Reagan] 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.

The famous Reagan smile reflected in the stamp's image radiated confidence.

The Postal Service is pleased to honor President Ronald W. Reagan. He led our nation during a momentous time in world history and never lost the ability to reach Americans on a truly personal level.

Nancy Reagan added:

My husband considered it the honor of a lifetime to serve as President, and I know he would be very touched by the special tribute bestowed upon him today by the U.S. Postal Service.

I know he would say, 'Now, don't make such a fuss'.

The stamp really captures Ronnie's humor and optimism and I hope the American people will like it as much as I do.

Former first lady Nancy Reagan said she was grateful to the Postal Service for honoring her husband so soon after his death.

"My husband would be humbled by the issuance of this stamp," Mrs. Reagan said. "And probably a little amused by picturing himself arriving in mailboxes around the country stuck on the upper right hand corner of an envelope."

Frederick Ryan shared with those in attendance:

The selection of an image for the stamp came down to two portraits, one serious, the other smiling.

We thought this one was the warmest, happy, positive Ronald Reagan with an optimistic look to it.

The first-day-of-issue stamp dedication ceremony will also take place at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on Wed. February 9, 2005.

As host city to this dedication, Simi Valley holds the unique distinction of being the only city in the nation where the stamp will be available that day.

The new 37-cent stamp will be available to available to the public on February 10.

Meanwhile, a series of 2004 holiday stamps (Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and Madonna and Child) were released in October.

Inspire & Be Inspired (R).

Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful and "licking Alzheimer's for good" living!

~ Jennifer Carolyn King