Japan: Ogasawara Islands

The Ogasawara Islands (小笠原諸島 Ogasawara-shotō) are an archipelago of over 30 subtropical and tropical islands. Almost the whole area of the islands is included in the Ogasawara National Park. This area is known for whale watching (as can be seen on the nice pictorial cancellation). It is a tourist destination, even though the only access is via a 24 hour-long ferry ride from Tokyo. The Ogasawara Islands are about 1000 km away from Tokyo, which administers them. Of the more than 30 islands, only Chichijima (父島 "Father Island") and Hahajima (母島 "Mother Island") are inhabited. 

 

Stamps:

2002 World Figure Skating Championships (full set) - Issued: 08-03-2002

Canada: Inuvik, Northwest Territories (NT)

Inuvik ("place of man") is the only town in the Inuvik Region, and the third largest community in Canada's Northwest Territories. Inuvik is located 200km North of the Arctic Circle in what is sometimes called the Beaufort Delta Region, it serves as its administrative and service centre and is home to federal, territorial, and Indigenous government offices, along with the regional hospital and airport. In the 2021 Canadian census conducted by Statistics Canada, Inuvik had a population of 3,137. 

Some years ago, I received a nice letter from the Inuvik Town Administration, the letter can be found here!

Stamps:

Canadian Flag (43c) - Issued: 15-02-1993

Old Utensils - Issued: 08-04-1983

Canadian Mammals (44c + 76c) - Issued: 18-01-1989

"Canada 82" International Philatelic Youth Exhibition, Toronto - Stamps on Stamps (from a set of 5) - Issued: 11-03-1982

Many thanks again to Linda!

 

Buildings of central Inuvi

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inuvik#/media/File:Inuvik_skyline.jpg

 

 

Cyprus: EUROPA 2021 - "Endangered national wildlife"

Stamps:

EUROPA 2021 - "Endangered national wildlife" (full set) - Issued: 06-05-2021

Refugee Fund Tax Stamp 2023

Luxembourg: The 75th Anniversary of NATO

In 2024, NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) celebrates 75 years of collective defence. Since its creation on 4 April 1949, the transatlantic Alliance has grown from 12 founding members to 32 member countries. Luxembourg is one of the founding members of 1949.

Stamp:

The 75th Anniversary of NATO  - Issued: 12-03-2024

Many thanks to Steve!

Switzerland: The First Mission of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit

The very first mission of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit was deployed in 1974 to the Lake Chad region (Niger, Chad, Nigeria and Cameroon), which had been hit by a terrible drought. The stamp pays tribute to the remarkable efforts of the unit’s 80 members, who worked side by side with local people to improve the situation. It took several months to build storage facilities and hospitals, repair wells and distribute around 260 tonnes of grain.

(Source: https://shop.post.ch)

 

Stamp:

The First Mission of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit - Issued: 07-03-2024

Many thanks to Hansjürg for sending this cover on the first day of Issue!

Djibouti: German frigate "Hessen" (F 221) - Operation "EUNAVFOR Aspides" (February - April/May 2024)

In February 2024, the frigate "Hessen" departed from the port of Wilhelmshaven for the Red Sea with about 240 people on board in order to assist the EU mission Aspides, which aims to protect shipping from Houthi attacks. This letter was carried on board of the ship and was mailed during the harbour stay in Djibouti. On the left you can see the cachet which was used for this operation.

Stamp:

Monument of the Unknown Soldier - Issued: 18-04-2004

Picture of the Ship:

Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hessen_(Schiff,_2006)#/media/Datei:FGS_Hessen-2012-2.jpg