A unique Polish Post stamp – "80th anniversary of the end of World War II"
The Polish Post is introducing a commemorative postage stamp commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, in which over 70 million people died.
The stamp design was created by Roch Stefaniak. The composition depicts the symbolic moment of a soldier's return home – two children greet him at the door. This scene is a metaphor for the return of peace, security, and hope after years of wartime terror. Designed in a simplified, modern style, it emphasizes the emotional dimension of this moment.
The issue also includes a First Day of Circulation (FDC) envelope with a graphic design inspired by the historic issue of "Gazeta Żołnierza" from May 8, 1945, bearing the headline: "VICTORY! END OF THE WAR WITH GERMANY!" A commemorative date stamp, adorned with a graphic of stylized doves – the universal symbol of peace, completes the package.
From Enigma to the Atlantic – the Polish contribution to the victory over Nazism
World War II began on September 1, 1939, with the German invasion of Poland and ended in Europe on May 8, 1945, with the unconditional surrender of the Third Reich. It was the bloodiest conflict in history, claiming the lives of over 70 million people.
The Polish contribution to the victory over Nazi Germany was enormous. A total of approximately 700,000 soldiers fought in the Polish Armed Forces – approximately 300,000 in the West and approximately 400,000 on the Eastern Front. The Polish Underground State and other clandestine organizations numbered between 200,000 and 350,000 members.
Poles played a crucial role not only on the battlefield, but also in intelligence operations and the technological arms race. Among the most important achievements of Polish engineers and designers were the reversible tank periscope, the SCR-300 portable field radio, VHF transmitters and HF/DF antennas for detecting U-boats (crucial during the Battle of the Atlantic), universal bomb launchers, butterfly tailplanes, and portable mine detectors, which saved the lives of thousands of soldiers. Of particular significance was the breaking of the German Enigma code by Polish cryptologists and the transfer of this knowledge to the Allies – a development that, according to estimates, may have shortened the war by two to three years.
Poland was one of the countries hardest hit by the war. Over 6 million citizens perished, including approximately 3 million Polish Jews—over 17% of its pre-war population. Many cities were destroyed, and Warsaw was almost completely razed to the ground.
Our country fell under German and Soviet occupation, suffering enormous material losses. According to data presented at the International Reparations Conference in Paris in 1946, these losses were estimated at $16.9 billion in 1938 values. The country's borders and social structure were permanently altered.
Remembering the victims and heroes
The issuance of a stamp commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II aims to commemorate the victims of the conflict, recall the price humanity paid for peace, and honor the soldiers and civilians who contributed to ending the war.
The commemorative stamp and accompanying philatelic items will be available for sale at Poczta Polska branches and in the online store.
"80th Anniversary of the End of World War II" Issue
Designer: Roch Stefaniak
Number of stamps: 1
Value: PLN 4.90
Circulation: 100,000 pcs.
Printing technique: rotogravure
Stamp format: 31.25 x 51 mm
Paper: fluorescent
Sales sheets: 12 stamps
Date of issue: May 8, 2025