A stamp commemorating the 100th anniversary of the return of Upper Silesia to Poland
On June 20, the Polish Post Office will introduce a postage stamp commemorating the "100th Anniversary of Upper Silesia's Return to Poland." It was officially unveiled on June 15 in Katowice during the opening of the "Gates to Poland" exhibition.
This stamp is the culmination of issues introduced in 2019, 2020, and 2021 devoted to the subsequent Silesian Uprisings. On the fourth stamp in this series, the designer, Adam Kultys, depicts the historic moment of Polish troops entering Silesia on June 22, 1922, and the welcome of General Stanisław Szeptycki at the Market Square in Katowice. The First Day of Circulation (FDC) envelope depicts the moment of Polish troops entering Silesia and the Silesian Eagle of the 74th Upper Silesian Infantry Regiment. The date stamp graphic depicts the symbolic breaking of the shackles of 100 years of slavery, set against a backdrop of architectural elements characteristic of Silesia – a mine.
" With its philatelic issues, Poczta Polska always honors the memory of cultural and historical events that are important to us from the perspective of a nation that, as history shows, is so diverse, yet united. It is all the more important to commemorate reunification anniversaries, which are important to us all. With this issue, issued on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Upper Silesia's return to Poland, we wish to recall those moments that changed the course of history and Europe. We commemorate the most important heroes, who deserve our gratitude, admiration, and great respect. Our task, and the duty we owe them, is to foster patriotic attitudes and promote values that build unity and a sense of national identity, " said Wiesław Włodek, Vice President of Poczta Polska.
The events depicted on this year's stamp marked the happy conclusion of three Silesian uprisings – 1919, 1920, and 1921 – and the political struggle for the independence of Upper Silesia, which had previously belonged to Germany. On July 16, 1922, a nationwide ceremony marked the official takeover of the Silesian Voivodeship by the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
About the stamp:
Designer: Adam Kultys
Number of stamps: 1
Value: PLN 3.60
Circulation: 144,000 pcs.
Printing technique: offset
Stamp format: 31.25 x 43 mm
Paper: fluorescent
Sales sheet: 12 stamps
Date of introduction into circulation: June 20, 2022