Philippines: Hidilyn F. Diaz - First Filipino Olympic Gold Medalist - Olympic Games Tokyo, 2020

Hidilyn "Hidi" Francisco Diaz-Naranjo, born February 20, 1991, is a Filipino weightlifter. On July 26, 2021, at the 2020 Summer Olympics for the women's 55 kg category for weightlifting, Diaz won the first ever gold medal for the Philippines, becoming the first Filipino to ever win an Olympic gold medal for the country. PHLPost horored this with the issue of a set of 10 different stamps. Some of them are shown on the covers below. 

Stamps:

Hidilyn F. Diaz - First Filipino Olympic Gold Medalist - Olympic Games Tokyo, 2020 (from a set of 10) - Issued: 18-09-2021

Hidilyn F. Diaz - First Filipino Olympic Gold Medalist - Olympic Games Tokyo, 2020 (from a set of 10) - Issued: 18-09-2021

3x Different Greetings from Philippine Dialects (from a set of 11) - Issued: 00-08-2023   

 

Many thanks to Danny and Vanessa!

 

India: The 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations with Mauritius - Joint Issue w/ Mauritius

 

Stamps:

The 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations with Mauritius (m/s) - Issued: 20-11-2023

Definitives - Makers of India (Shivaji Maharaj, 1630-1680) (from a set of 2) - Issued: 00-01-2016

Many thnanks to Dilip!

Latvia: EUROPA 2024 - "Underwater Flora and Fauna"

Stamps:

EUROPA 2024 - "Underwater Flora and Fauna" (full set) - Issued: 26-04-2024

Many thanks to Vera for this nice Cover with first day Cancellation!

Brazil: International Polar Year 2007-2008

Stamps:

International Polar Year 2007-2008 (full set) - Issued: 13-03-2007

Many thanks to Damiao!

USA: Chinese New Year - Year of the Dragon

Stamps:

2x Chinese New Year - Year of the Dragon - Issued: 25-01-2024

Many thanks to Geoff!

Malaysia: Traditional Firearms of Malaysia

 

Stamps:

Traditional Firearms of Malaysia (single stamps and sheet) - Issued: 27-02-2024

Many thanks to Henry!

Antigua and Barbuda: Marine Life - "Stingrays"

Antigua and Barbuda is a sovereign island country in the Caribbean. It lies at the conjuncture of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean in the Leeward Islands part of the Lesser Antilles. The country consists of two major islands, Antigua and Barbuda, which are approximately 40 km (25 mi) apart, and several smaller islands. I'm very happy to receive this nice cover (my first from Antigua and Barbuda) mailed from the General Post Office in St. John's, the capital of Antigua and Barbuda.

 Stamp:

 Marine Life - "Stingrays" (s/s) - Issued: 03-12-2012

Many thanks again to Alex!

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

France: Fête du Timbre 2024 - "River Navigation"

 

Stamps:

Fête du Timbre 2024 - "Navigation de plaisance" (m/s) - Issued: 09-03-2024

Fête du Timbre 2024 - "A bord d’un voilier" - Issued: 09-03-2024

Many thanks to my friend Eric!

Serbia: EUROPA 2019 "National Birds"

Stamps:

EUROPA 2019 "National Birds" (full set) - Issued: 09-05-2019

 

 

Many thanks to Branislav!

Canada: Yellowknife, Northwest Territories (NT)

Yellowknife (Dogrib: Sǫǫ̀mbak’è) is the capital, largest community, and only city in the Northwest Territories, Canada. It is on the northern shore of Great Slave Lake, about 400 km (250 mi) south of the Arctic Circle, on the west side of Yellowknife Bay near the outlet of the Yellowknife River. Yellowknife and its surrounding water bodies were named after a local Dene tribe, who were known as the "Copper Indians" or "Yellowknife Indians", today incorporated as the Yellowknives Dene First Nation. They traded tools made from copper deposits near the Arctic Coast. Its population was 20,340 per the 2021 Canadian Census.

Stamps:

Traditional Trades (9c + 10c) - Issued: 29-04-1999

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

The 100th Anniversary of the Knights of Columbus, Welfare Charity - Issued: 05-08-1997

The 150th Anniversary of Barreau du Quebec (Quebec Lawyers' Association) - Issued: 03-06-1999

The 45th International Pharmaceutical Sciences Congress of Pharmaceutical Federation, Montreal - Issued: 30-08-1985

Many thanks again to Linda!

 

Downtown Yellowknife

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellowknife#/media/File:Downtown_Yellowknife_2.jpg

Norway: UK Arctic Research Station, Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard

The UK Arctic Research Station is funded by NERC and managed and operated by British Antarctic Survey, and situated in the international research community at Ny-Ålesund on the high Arctic island of Spitsbergen, part of the Svalbard archipelago. Ny-Ålesund is often referred to as the northernmost Community on the World. Originally established as a mining town in the early 20th century, Ny-Ålesund underwent a transformation in the mid-20th century, evolving into a scientific research center. 

I'm very happy about this cover, because it also got a signature from the Station Manager Iain Rudkin (?). I sent it to the station around August/September 2023 and it arrived back in March 2024.

Stamp:

Norway Memories (from a set of 6) - Issued: 21-04-2023

Portugal: Horror Movie Classics - "Friday the 13th"

Friday the 13th is a 1980 slasher film produced and directed by Sean Cunningham and written by Victor Miller.  The stamp used on the cover below is part of set of 4 personalised stamps dedicated to 4 different Horror Movie Classics.

Stamp:

Horror Movie Classics - "Friday the 13th" (from a set of 4) - Issued: 00-00-2023

Many thanks to Jose!

Slovakia: EUROPA 2022 - "Stories & Myths”

 

Stamp:

EUROPA 2022 - "Stories & Myths” - Issued: 02-05-2022

Canada: Dawson City, Yukon Territory (YT)

Dawson City, officially the City of Dawson, is a city in the Canadian territory of Yukon. It is inseparably linked to the Klondike Gold Rush (1896–1899). Its population was 1,577 as of the 2021 census, making it the second-largest city in Yukon. Its located approx. 240 km south of the northern arctic circle and its nickname is "Paris of the North".

 Stamps (from left to right):

Traditional Arts and Crafts - Issued: 02-01-2002

Canadian Aircraft - Flying Boats (full set) - Issued: 15-11-1979

Canada-Australia Joint Issue. "Marco Polo" (Emigrant Ship) - Issued: 19-03-1999

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

To note the left pictorial cancel shows the Dawson City Palace Grand Theater. The Palace Grand Theatre is a fully restored, gold rush era theatre maintained by Parks Canada as a part of the Klondike National Historic Site.

 

Many thanks again to Linda! 

 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dawson_City#/media/File:Dawson_Yukon_June_07.jpg

 

Malaysia: "Free Palastine"

In a show of solidarity with the Palestinian people's struggle, Pos Malaysia launched a special "Palestin Merdeka" stamp. I'm very happy to receive this FDC from my friend Henry in Malaysia. This was by the way the third time after 1978 and 1982 that stamps related to Palestine were issued from Pos Malaysia. Henry also send me a Postal stationery which was issued, too.

Stamp:

Free Palestine - Issued: Preview: 14-12-2023 (available from 18-01-2024)

Postal Stationary:

Many thanks to Henry!

Albania: The 50th Anniversary of the First Europa Stamps

 

Stamp:

The 50th Anniversary of the First Europa Stamps (m/s) - Issued: 01-10-2005

Many thanks again to Alex!

Uruguay: Personalities - "Dr. Jorge W. Larrañaga (1956-2021)"

Jorge Washington Larrañaga Fraga (8 August 1956 – 22 May 2021) was a Uruguayan lawyer and politician of the National Party (PN) who served as Minister of the Interior from 1 March 2020 until his death. He previously served as Intendant of Paysandú from 1990 to 1999, as well as a Senator between 2000 and 2020. 

Stamps:

2x Personalities - "Dr. Jorge W. Larrañaga (1956-2021)"  - Issued: 13-12-2023

The 100th Anniversary of the 8 Hours Law - Issued: 17-11-2015

Many thanks to Javier!

Lithuania: The 250th Anniversary of the Commission of National Education

 

Stamp:

The 250th Anniversary of the Commission of National Education - Issued: 13-10-2023

Many thanks to Vera!

Canada: Carcross, Yukon Territory (YT)

Located on the Klondike Highway south of Whitehorse, the village of Carcross was originally named Caribou Crossing by miners who had reached this junction point on their way to the gold fields. It is home to the Carcross/Tagish First Nation. Carcross is mainly known for its world class mountain biking on the near-by Montana Mountain, and for the nearby Carcross Desert, often referred to as the "world's smallest desert.

Stamps:

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

The 100th Anniversary of the Victorian Order of Nurses - Issued: 12-05-1997

Canadian Mammals - Issued: 18-01-1989

Christmas (from a set of 4) - Issued: 29-10-1986 

 

 

Many thanks to Linda!

 Source: https://rs.locationshub.com/Home/LocationDetail?rsLocationId=999-17099

 

Peru: America UPAEP 2023 - "Stamps and Philately"

The Postal Union of the Americas, Spain and Portugal ("UPAEP") is a regional association of the postal authorities in Latin America, the Caribbean, the United States, Canada, Spain, and Portugal, headquartered in Montevideo. It was founded in 1911 as a restricted union of the Universal Postal Union. As the Europa stamps, each country issue a single or a set of stamps following a common theme. The 2023 theme was "Stamps and Philately".

Stamps:

America UPAEP 2023 - "Stamps and Philately" - Issued: 22-11-2023

2x Flor de la Cantuta - Issued: 00-00-2019

 

To note this cover was send on leap day 29th February!

Many thanks to Gloria!

Japan: 58th Japan Philatelic Exhibition (JAPEX 2023)

The 58th JAPEX took place from 3rd to 5th November 2023. One of the Commemorative Exhibits was the "Ukrainian Stamp Exhibition". Therefore a special stamp, cover and postmark was put into circulation. I'm very happy to receive the cover below, it was exclusively painted for me by Linda. Linda developed a great philatelic project to raise money to help the Ukraine. Check out her Website: https://www.stampoutwar.com/

 Stamp:

Definitives - Greetings - Issued: 17-03-2022

 

Many thanks again Linda!

Germany: The 50th Anniversary of "Playmobil" - "50 Years of Play, Fun, & Variety"

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the brand "Playmobil". Founded in 1974 by German inventor Hans Beck, Playmobil began with a simple idea: to inspire imaginative play through miniature figures and detailed playsets. Today, Playmobil is produced by the Brandstätter Group headquartered in Zirndorf, Germany. The signature Playmobil toy is a 7.5 cm (3.0 in) tall (1:24 scale) human figure with a smiling face. The figures can bee seen on the stamp below, the face on the First-Day-Cancellation.

Stamp:

The 50th Anniversary of "Playmobil" - "50 Years of Play, Fun, & Variety" - Issued: 01-03-2024

Located next to the Playmobil headquarters in Zirndorf lies the Playmobil FunPark. Its a popular amusement park which spans over 90,000 square meters, offering an immersive playground for children and families to explore. The card below was sent from there.

 

Stamp:

"The Gruffalo" - Issued: 01-03-2019

Luxembourg: EUROPA 2015 - "Old Toys"

 

Stamps:

EUROPA 2015 - "Old Toys" (full set) - Issued: 05-05-2015

Many thanks to Steve!

Kuwait: 1987 World Maritime Day

Stamp: 

1987 World Maritime Day (from a set of 3) - Issued: 24-09-1987

 

Many thanks again to Alex!