Latvia: The 150th Anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU)

In 2024, the Universal Postal Union (UPU) celebrates its 150th anniversary. On 9 October 1874, 22 countries gathered to sign the Treaty of Bern, creating the General Postal Union, which would later become known as the Universal Postal Union. A century and a half later, the UPU now unites the postal networks of 192 member countries, having realized its founders’ vision of establishing a single postal territory to serve people everywhere. 

Stamp:

The 150th Anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) - Issued: 09-10-2024

Many thanks to Vera!

Greenland: Ilulissat - "on board of the MS Roald Amundsen"

In late August of this year a friend of mine went on a spectacular trip on the "Hurtigruten" Ship MS Roald Amundsen. The Cruise went trought the legandary Northwest Passage starting from Nome, Alaska to Halifax, Nova Scotia. During this cruise they called at various ports. This Cover for example was mailed during the visit in Ilulissat, Greenland. To note the small grey ship cancellation of the MS Roald Amudsen.

Stamps:

EUROPA 2023 - "Peace - the highest value of humanity" - Issued: 30-05-2023

The Environment in Greenland (from a  set of 2) - Issued: 27-10-2017

 

 

 

Picture of the Ship:

 

 

By Wolfgang Fricke - Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=109275816

Canada: Watson Lake - Yukon Territory (YT)

Watson Lake is a town in Yukon, Canada, located at mile 635 on the Alaska Highway close to the British Columbia border. It had a population of 1,133 in 2021. The town is named for Frank Watson, an American-born trapper and prospector, who settled in the area at the end of the 19th century. The town is famous for its Sign Post Forest (as can be seen by the cancellation). It was started by a homesick GI in 1942. He was assigned light duty while recovering from an injury and erected the signpost for his hometown: Danville, Ill. 2835 miles. Visitors may add their own signs to the more than 100,000 already present. 

Stamps:

Parliament Building - From Booklet - Issued: 30-03-1987

Maple Leaf - Issued: 28-12-1998

Tourism - From Far and Wide (from a set of 11) - Issued: 14-01-2019 

University of Manitoba - Issued: 28-02-2002

Canadian Paintings (from a set of 2) - Issued: 22-05-1981

Many thanks again to Linda!

 

 

 

Watson Lake Sign Post Forest - (c) By Jadecolour at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9651101

 

Germany: 1300 years of the Monastic Island of Reichenau

In 2024, the Reichenau Monastery Island on Lake Constance marks 1300 years since its founding back in 724 by the monk Pirmin. This UNESCO World Heritage site has a rich legacy as a medieval center of learning, spirituality, and art. The Benedictine monks of Reichenau were renowned for their exquisite illuminated manuscripts and contributions to theology, science, and medicine. Today, visitors can explore three well-preserved Romanesque churches on the island, each showcasing remarkable frescoes and architectural details that illustrate Reichenau’s unique role in European monastic and cultural history. On this occasion the commemorative cover below was issued on the 1st of March 2024 by Deutsche Post. I'm happy to receive it mailed from the Reichenau Island Post Office.

Stamps:

World heritage of UNESCO - Monastic Island of Reichenau - Issued: 02-01-2008

ATM Stamp Value: 0,40 €

USA: The Alex Trebek Stamp

Alex Trebek was a beloved Canadian-American television personality best known as the host of the quiz show "Jeopardy!" for 36 years, from 1984 until his death in 2020. The stamp artwork evokes the style of the game in which a provided answer prompts contestants to respond with the corresponding question. 

Stamps:

2x The Alex Trebek Stamp  - Issued: 22-07-2024

Many thanks to Michael!