29 The United States Postage Stamp Campaign
2 As would be expected, Bucky attracted a cadre o£ students and supporters. He had a way of introducing each idea within a small group and would set the group to work to solve a unique problem. It was like casting pebbles into a pond and noting the water’s patterns of integrity, each pebble making its own ripples. Tony Huston worked with Bucky, and they shared their own patterns of integrity. They became friends, and Bucky was also a longtime friend of Tony’s father, film director John Huston. Tony, a screenwriter, has served as a member of the board of the Buckminster Fuller Institute.
3 In 1993, many of us began a campaign for the issuance of a United States postage stamp to commemorate the centenary of Bucky’s birth. Sadly, the proposal was rejected. In 1998, urged on by Tony, we tried again, and again we were turned down. Although we were disappointed, I print Tony’s letter, as it is typical of the tremendous support Fuller received.
4 Undaunted, we shall try to have the Citizen’s Stamp Advisory Committee consider a stamp to honor R. Buckminster Fuller on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the geodesic dome patent, which will be in year 2004. Reproduced on page 372 is a proposed stamp design from our previous attempt.
5 Citizen’s Stamp Advisory Committee
7 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW Room 4474E
11 I should like to add my voice to the chorus of those who are asking that the memory of R. Buckminster Fuller be commemorated by a U.S. postage stamp.
12 It would be redundant of me to repeat all the public reasons why Bucky should be so honored. The trouble with awards and honors is that, in a case such as his, they are so much smaller than the man.
13 Frequently one gets the impression that the highest aspiration of our society is success in commerce. This was not Bucky. Until the day of his death, his mission was nothing less than to make humanity a success. Everything he gained he ploughed back into this mission—he never became complacent or wealthy.
14 I was fortunate to travel with him for some months nearly thirty years ago and to remain his friend until death. He is the only famous person I have met whose stature increased as a result of close proximity. Indeed Bucky is the only great man I have ever met.
15 Putting him on a stamp will encourage his memory to affect our society and inspire our children to make the world a better place. In other words, honoring him in this way is not just for his sake, but also for ours.
