The Polish Post Office is introducing a stamp to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Poland's accession to NATO, with a circulation of one million!
On March 12th, the Polish Post issued a stamp entitled "25 Years of Poland in NATO." This latest philatelic item commemorates one of the most important successes of Polish politics in recent decades, a milestone in ensuring the lasting security of Polish women and men.
The anniversary stamp features a white eagle and the NATO compass rose logo, symbolizing the pursuit of security on all sides. The design is set against a blue background, symbolizing harmony and alluding to the Atlantic Ocean. The emblems are placed alternately next to the anniversary numeral. The entire design is complemented by a white and red ribbon.
The new issue is complemented by a First Day Cover (FDC), whose central motif is the Polish and NATO flags fluttering in the wind. The issue also includes a commemorative date stamp, featuring a view of Sigismund's Column and the Royal Castle in Warsaw, along with information about the date and place of issue.
" The quarter-century of Poland's presence in NATO undoubtedly deserves to be honored on a postage stamp, as it aligns with the Polish Post's mission to promote events, anniversaries, and initiatives important to Poles. Philatelic items travel with letters and cards, reaching every corner of the country—and beyond. The latest philatelic issue not only commemorates one of the most important successes of Polish politics in recent decades, but also serves as an expression of gratitude to all those involved in the process of building our security, " says Sebastian Mikosz, Acting President of Poczta Polska.
The stamp was issued in a circulation of 1,000,000 copies and is available at post offices and in the online philatelic store.
Poland's path to NATO
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was established in 1949 under the North Atlantic Treaty signed in Washington by 12 nations. The purpose of the North Atlantic Treaty was to defend against possible aggression from the Soviet Union, and later from the Warsaw Pact countries. Following the end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, NATO engaged in military missions and operations in Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Libya, among others.
Years of diplomatic efforts and reforms, including in the defense sphere, culminated in Poland's admission to the North Atlantic Alliance on March 12, 1999. Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor Bronisław Geremek, presented the U.S. Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, with Poland's act of accession to the North Atlantic Treaty. At that moment, the Republic of Poland formally became a party to the Treaty—a member of the North Atlantic Alliance. Over the past 25 years, Poland's position within NATO has steadily grown.
About the stamp:
Designer: Jarosław Ochendzan
Number of stamps: 1
Value: PRIORITY M
Circulation: 1,000,000 pieces, repeatable
Printing technique: rotogravure
Stamp format: 25.5 x 31.25 mm
Paper: fluorescent
Sales sheet: 100 stamps
Date of circulation: March 12, 2024
