New stamp, tribute day for Lady Bird

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The celebration of Lady Bird Johnson's centennial birth year is certainly going to be a big one.

According to the United States Postal Service, Lady Bird Johnson, a highly respected and influential woman in American history, will be recognized with a commemorative Forever Stamp to celebrate the centennial of her birth this year. She was born Dec. 22, 1912, and died at her home in Austin on July 11, 2007.

The new Forever Stamp honoring Johnson will feature her official White House portrait, as well as the artwork of stamps originally issued in the 1960s to encourage planting flowers to beautify America, according to a news release from the USPS.

“Lady Bird Johnson’s impact to society continues to be felt by many today,” said Thurgood Marshall Jr., Chairman of the Postal Service Board of Governors. “Anyone who drives our nation’s highways today still benefits from her leadership transforming the American landscape and helping preserve its natural beauty. We’re pleased to honor her with this stamp.”

“During her lifetime Lady Bird Johnson was recognized for many achievements related to her advocacy for the environment, including the passing of The Highway Beautification Act of 1965,” said postmaster general and CEO Patrick R. Donahoe. “We’re pleased to join the celebration honoring what would be her 100-year birthday and also to continue to help further her important legacy of creating a more beautiful America.”

The stamps are set to be issued for sale nationwide in December.

Free day at Wildflower Center

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center joins the celebration on Sunday with its "Lady Bird Johnson Tribute Day" to honor the former first lady's Centennial year. A variety of activities began on Dec. 11, 2011, and are being held through Dec. 16, 2012.

Admission to the Wildflower Center is free on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the center staff will unveil a new exhibit about Johnson's conservation focus, one that will travel nationally.

Sunday's celebration will include children's play and storytelling. Other tribute day offerings include a special one-day showing of historic pens Lady Bird received from LBJ that he used as president to sign conservation legislation inspired by her efforts. 

Lunch, drinks, snacks and ice cream will be available in the Wildflower Café from noon to 4 p.m.