UNPA marks International Day of Peace with embroidered stamps in Sept. 19 joint issue

By David Hartwig

On Sept. 19 the United Nations Postal Administration celebrates the International Day of Peace with a trio of embroidered stamps issued jointly with the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and 10 other postal organizations.

The One Stitch at a Time issue is meant to “promote the value of peace to people all around the world,” the UNPA says. The three stamps in the UNPA issue are each presented individually on one of three souvenir sheets (called mini-sheets by the UNPA). Each stamp shows an embroidered white dove carrying an olive branch outlined in blue.

“The peace dove glides forward with outstretched wings speaking a language that knows no borders, no religions, no ideologies,” the UNPA said. “The project transcends borders just like real doves, acting as unique postage ambassadors unifying people from around the world, carrying a global message of peace.”

One stamp was issued for each United Nations post office. The stamp on the sheet issued for the post office at U.N. headquarters in New York City is denominated $6, the stamp on the sheet issued for the post office at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, is denominated 6 francs, and the stamp on the sheet issued for the post office at the Vienna International Center in Vienna, Austria, is denominated €5.

The other postal organizations involved in this joint issue are Aland, Armenia, Austria, Barbados, Cyprus, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg and Switzerland.

The Austrian embroidery manufacturer Hammerle & Vogel produced the stitched and embroidered stamps, and Iris Hammerle served as creative director.

The United Nations General Assembly established the International Day of Peace in 1981 to promote ideals of peace among all nations and peoples. First observed in 1982, the day is marked annually on Sept. 21.

Each year, the day is observed with a new theme that focuses on a particular aspect of peace, such as climate action, racial equality or conflict prevention. The UN often holds a ceremony at its headquarters in New York, including the ringing of the Peace Bell, a gift from Japan made with coins donated by representatives from more than 60 countries.

The UN encourages governments, organizations and individuals to take part through education, awareness campaigns and activities that highlight the importance of global harmony. Events worldwide include community gatherings, vigils and cultural programs.

The Sept. 19 One Stitch at a Time stamps measure 55 millimeters by 42mm and were produced in quantities of 10,800 for the $6 stamp, 12,300 for the 6fr stamp and 13,900 for the €5 stamp. 

A video with more information on the Dove of Peace initiative is available online at https://unstamps.org/united-for-peace-video.

For ordering information for these new One Stitch at a Time stamps and related products, visit the website unstamps.org; email unpanyinquiries@un.org; telephone 212-963-7684 or 800-234-8672; or write to UNPA, Box 5900, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163-5900.

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