[press release]
Golden stamp for 75 years of peace and freedom
The Hague, May 12, 2020 – Last May 5, the Netherlands celebrated the liberation of our country 75 years ago. Due to the coronavirus, all public events surrounding the May 5 celebration were canceled. Other initiatives can continue, such as the issue by PostNL of a special gold stamp.
Capitulation of Germany
In the series “End of World War II,” the stamp 75 years of Peace & Freedom appears today. This gold stamp is dedicated to the liberation of the Netherlands on May 5, 1945. The day the Germans officially surrendered.
Transferring aircraft
Today’s gold stamp features a photo of waving Dutchmen saluting passing Allied planes. The photo is written in italic letter 75 years. The photo, made by J. van Rhijn, comes from the National Archives / Spaarnestad Photo in The Hague.
5 years of occupation
With the German capitulation on May 5, 1945, the occupation of the Netherlands ended after the invasion of the German army on May 10, 1940. The Dutch East Indies had to wait until August 18, 1945 for the Japanese army to lay down its weapons. Over time, the focus of the May 5 celebration has shifted from actual historical liberation to the general interest of freedom. In many places around the world, people still fight for their daily existence. Therefore, May 5 has become a day for reflection on freedom around the world.
Gold series
The stamp about the liberation of the Netherlands is part of the series End of World War II. On January 20, the first stamp from this series appeared, about the operation Market Garden, followed on March 20 by the stamp about Anne Frank. The last stamp issue in the series is on August 17, the day that 75 years ago the Japanese army laid down its weapons in what was then the Dutch East Indies. Each stamp from the End of World War II series is made of 24 carat gold.
Availability
The End of World War II series is, as long as stocks last, only available through the webshop and at Collect Club customer service on telephone number 088 – 868 99 00. The stamp contains value indication 1, intended for mail up to 20 grams with a destination within the Netherlands. The validity period is indefinite.
