Trees, Fruits, Crops, etc. on Flags are the direct reflections of country’s natural resources. The importance of the product on local economy, religious superstitions, et al. The Cedar of Libanus (Cedrus Libani) shown on the Lebanese flag is the famous Cedar mentioned in the Bible and symbolizes holiness and eternity. Cedar- a coniferous tree frequently mentioned in the Bible. Psalms 104:16 The trees of the LORD are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted; Judges 9:15 And the bramble said unto the trees, If in truth ye anoint me king over you, then come and put your trust in my shadow: and if not, let fire come out of the bramble, and devour the cedars of Lebanon. Psalms 92:12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Maple Leaf - Canada's distinctive emblem dating from the 18th.Century. The present flag was adopted on February 15,1965 The Canadian State of Prince Edward Island's flag has one big green Oak tree symbolising England and the three Oak saplings for three provinces of the State.The State flag of Saskatchewan shows a western Red Lily, the State flower. The city of Flagstaff was named after a tall Ponderosa Pine flagpole made by the lumberjacks from Boston (known as the Flagstaff Tea Party) to celebrate the United States centennial on July 4, 1876. Green Pine Trees on Flags used during American Freedom Struggle. The central emblem within a garland of 50 leaves shows the tools of logging industry. The crest is a Mahogany tree. The motto ‘Sub Umbra Floreo’ is a reference to the abundant forests of Belize (formerly British Honduras). The Silk Cotton Tree or God Tree is the tree under which the first Treaty was made between the Spaniards and the King of Equatorial Guinea (formerly Rio Muni). Sorghum Plant on the former flag of Burundi (prior 1967) Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), is a cereal crop close to maize and sugar cane. The crop originated in the Northeast part of Africa and has been an important crop of Burundi. Sorghum is used for beverage and porridge. The images depicted on the shield of Fiji represent agricultural activities on the islands, At the top of the shield, a British lion holds a cocoa pod between its paws. The upper left is sugar cane, upper right is a coconut palm, the lower left a dove of peace, and the lower right a bunch of bananas. Bread Fruit Leaf on the former Flag of Grenadines of St. Vincent (1979-1985). St. Vincent was happened to be the first Caribbean Islands to grow this crop. The world wide nature of the United Nations and its mission of peace are expressed by two Olive branches embracing the globe. The flag was flown for the first time in 1947 The Cypriot flag The crossed Olive branches symbolises a desire for ethnic peace between the Turks & the Greeks The ‘Olive stem’ surrounded By a wreath of Olive leaves on Eritrean flag inspired by the United Nations’ flag The two crossed Fern or Namele leaves, representing the traditional way of life of the Vanuatu (formerly New Hebrides) The South Pacific Commission set up in 1947. the distinctive feature of the flag is the presence of a Coconut Palm Tree Flag of ‘DDR’ East Germany (1959 - 1989) in order to make a distinction with the west German flag , DDR’s state emblem within a wreath of ears of corn was superimposed on Weimar colours. However, the flag became obsolete when East Germany got merged with West Germany in 1989. The symbol in the hoist of the national flag of Grenada, once popularly known as "Isle of Spice" depicts a clove of Nutmeg, which is considered as Grenada’s principal crop. The stamps titled "celebration", is designed to show the successful practice of "one country, two systems" in HongKong. Pictures of China's national flag and the HongKong's flag which features a stylised five-petal Bauhinia flower. The flag of Macao has a green background with motifs of five stars, a lotus flower, the stylized Nobre Carvalho Bridge and sea water. The lotus is the floral emblem of Macau. The three petals of the lotus flower stand for the three islands of Macau; the Macau Peninsula, Taipa and Coloane. The Islands of St. Christopher (or St.Kitts), Nevis and Anguilla were earlier combined to form one State in 1967. The then new Statehood flag had a Black Palm Tree in the center with three branches to represent each member State. The desert Palm Tree on Liberian State Flags. ---------------------- P.B. The above is not an exhaustive list of Flags with Flora as motifs on Stamps. *********************

“Jack” is the name given to the “Flag” flown on a small vertical spar (pole) at the stem or on the bowsprit of a warship. E.M.C. Barraclough, the internationally renowned vexillologist writes ‘although at first ‘Jacks’ were flown from the mast-head of a ship, it soon became the practice to fly them from the ‘sprit-mast’ which was fixed to the bowsprit. It was often been thought that the “flag” is called a “Jack” because it flies from the ‘Jack-staff’, but actually the ‘staff’ is called a “Jack-staff” because the “Jack Flag” flies from it. Likewise, the British “Union Flag” is most often wrongly referred to as “Union Jack”. Most countries use the diminutive of their National flag as ‘Jack’ Scandinavian countries State flags and Jacks are 'swallow-tailed' or 'split' at the fly. Some countries have/had ‘historic’ or other special 'flag' for use as ‘Jack’ at sea. The Great Star Flag 1837 An 1818 act established that the Great Star Flag include a star for each state and 13 stripes. Capt. Samuel C. Reid, a naval hero of the war of 1812, recommended arranging the stars into one 'large Star pattern', a common design in the 19th. century. Greece has two Flags, one with the white ‘Greek Cross’ on blue field for use as ‘Jack’ at sea and the other with 'nine horizontal stripes of blue and white and to the upper side of the flagpole, there is a white cross on a blue background’ for use as ‘Ensign’ The U. S. Coast Guard Ensign and Jack The badge has the motto ‘Semper Paratus’ (Always Prepared) and the date ‘1790’. The post card commemorates the 175 th. Anniversary of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Palestine Fida'I (Revolutionist‎) is the “Anthem of the Palestinian revolution". It was adopted in 1996. Written by Said Al Muzayin (Aka Fata Al Thawra), and its music was composed by Egyptian maestro Ali Ismael. The song commences with the words: Biladi Biladi (My country, my country) and the last stanza goes with: “By the oath under the shade of the flag By my land and nation, and the fire of pain I will live as a Revolutionist*, I will remain a Revolutionist, I will end as a Revolutionist - until my country returns”. Philippines The Philippine National Anthem lyrics has three versions- "Lupang Hinirang" in Tagalog language (1948) penned by Felipe Padilla de Leon The anthem music was composed by Julian Felipe in 1898. The stamps above features Julian Felipe, the anthem composer, with Jose Palma. The anthem in Spanish version "Filipinas" was written by Jose Palma in 1899, "Philippine Hymn" the anthem in English version (1938) was written by Camilo Osias. Presently, only the anthem in Tagalog version is used throughout Philippines. The first and second verses and the chorus of the Lupang Hinirang allude to the light of the sun and stars in the flag; the fourth verse states “Thy banner, dear to all our hearts, its sun and stars alight, O never shall its shinning field be dimmed by Tyrant’s might”. Portugal A Portuguesa is the national anthem of Portugal. Composed by Alfredo Keil and written by Henrique Lopes de Mendonca during the resurgent nationalist movement ignited by the 1890British ultimatum to Portugal concerning its African colonies. It was adopted as the national anthem of the newborn Portiguse Republic in 1911, replacing O Hino da Carta the anthem of the deposed monarchy. Portugal celebrated the 100th anniversary of the first performance of its national anthem in 1990. The anthem proclaims; “Unfurl the unconquering flag in the bright light of your sky! Cry out to all Europe and the whole world that Portugal has not perished”. Romania Trei culori (Three colours) was the national anthem of Romania from 1977 until 1989. Since the anti-communist Revolution of 1989 it has been replaced by Deşteaptă-te, Române! (1989-present). Trei culori was written by Ciprian Porumbescu, as the name suggests the anthem had a direct reference to the Romanian tricoloured national flag. The song had the following wordings (variously translated); Three colours I know in the world And I hold them like a holy jewel They are colours with an ancient fame Reminders of a brave nation. As long as in the sky and in the world There will be these three colours We'll have a glorious name And a glorious future. Red is the bravery's fire Sacrifices that won't ever be lost Yellow, the plain's gold And blue is our sky. Envelope with the score of Porumbescu's "Trei Culori" (in use-1977-1990) issued in 1977. Even Te Slăvim Românie (We glorify thee, Romania) which was the national anthem during the period between 1953 and 1977 mentioned the Flag. São Tomé and Príncipe “Independência Total” is the national anthem of São Tomé and Príncipe. The anthem, adopted in 1975, was written by Alda Neves da Graça do Espírito Santo and composed by Manuel dos Santos Barreto de Sousa e Almeida. In the crusade of the African peoples, Raising the national flag. Voice of the people, present, present and united. Saudi Arabia The “Al- Salaam al-Mamlaki al- Saud”, the Royal Salute of Saudi Arabia was adopted in 1950 and then again in 1984 with a change in lyrics. The original lyrics (1950) were written by Mohammed Talat while the new lyrics (1984) were written by Ibrahim Khafaji. “Hasten to glory and supremacy! Glorify the Creator of the heavens And raise the green, fluttering flag, Carrying the emblem of Light! Repeat - God is greatest! O my country, My country, may you always live, The glory of all Muslims! Long live the King, For the flag and the country!” (To be continued)

Asian Oceanic Postal Union (AOPU) Flags of the Member Countries Most of the countries in the world are members of the Universal Postal Union. The Constitution of this Union permits members to form themselves into restricted unions covering specific regions of the globe. Special agreements are concluded to facilitate cooperation and improvement in the postal services of the member countries within the region, provided such agreements introduce provisions more favourable to the members of the public than those provided by the acts of the UPU. Further a restricted Union has the important role of promoting postal development in the region, cooperating with the UPU and the regional economic commissions in the implementation of technical assistance programmes in respect of postal services and strengthening relations with the other restricted Unions. At present the following seven restricted Unions are functioning in different parts of the world: 1. European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT), Stockholm. 2. The African Posts and Telecommunications Union (APTU), Brazzaville. 3. The Arab Postal Union (UPA), Cairo. 4. The Postal Union of the Americas and Spain (PUAS), Santiago. 5. The African Postal Union (APU), Cairo. 6. Asian-Oceanic Postal Union (AOPU), Manila/Bangkok. 7. The Narodic Postal Union (UPPN), Helsinki. Asian Oceanic Postal Union (AOPU), originally known as Asian Oceanic Postal Convention is an inter-governmental organization of 32 postal administrations of the Asian Pacific region.The objective of AOPU is to extend, facilitate, and improve postal relations between member countries and to promote cooperation in the field of postal services. The convention was to come into force on 1 April 1962. On that date, they formed a union among themselves and established its headquarters in Manila with Mr. Palomar, Postmaster General of Philippines as its first Director. The headquarters was relocated to Bangkok in 2002. Philippines commemorated 15 years of AOPU in 1977. The Stamps show Flags of fourteen (14) member countries. The stamp from Thailand commemorating 15th anniversary of AOPU shows flags of eleven (11) member countries . Indian stamp issued on the occassion of 15th anniversary of AOPU shows only the Logo of the Union. Postal stationery Aerogramme from Papua New Guinea commemorates 20th Anniversary of the AOPU in 1982. Philippines stamps issued to commemorate the 50 th anniversary of AOPU. (Note; The 30p denomination stamp reproduces one of the stamp issued earlier during 15th anniversary celebration of AOPU. My friend Mr Kenneth Sequeira very kindly sent me the above two stamps from Dubai. Many many thank you Kenneth) Thailand issued a stamp in the denomination of 3 Bhat to commemorate the 50th. anniversary of AOPU In due course others countries of the Asian-Pacific region joined this regional postal union (AOPU) making it today an inter-governmental body of 32 countries namely; Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Korea, Lao, Malaysia, Mongolia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Thailand, Tonga, Vanuatu and Vietnam.

Palestine Fida'I (Revolutionist‎) is the “Anthem of the Palestinian revolution". It was adopted in 1996. Written by Said Al Muzayin (Aka Fata Al Thawra), and its music was composed by Egyptian maestro Ali Ismael. The song commences with the words: Biladi Biladi (My country, my country) and the last stanza goes with: “By the oath under the shade of the flag By my land and nation, and the fire of pain I will live as a Revolutionist*, I will remain a Revolutionist, I will end as a Revolutionist - until my country returns”. Philippines The Philippine National Anthem lyrics has three versions- "Lupang Hinirang" in Tagalog language (1948) penned by Felipe Padilla de Leon The anthem music was composed by Julian Felipe in 1898. The stamps above features Julian Felipe, the anthem composer, with Jose Palma. The anthem in Spanish version "Filipinas" was written by Jose Palma in 1899, "Philippine Hymn" the anthem in English version (1938) was written by Camilo Osias. Presently, only the anthem in Tagalog version is used throughout Philippines. The first and second verses and the chorus of the Lupang Hinirang allude to the light of the sun and stars in the flag; the fourth verse states “Thy banner, dear to all our hearts, its sun and stars alight, O never shall its shinning field be dimmed by Tyrant’s might”. Portugal A Portuguesa is the national anthem of Portugal. Composed by Alfredo Keil and written by Henrique Lopes de Mendonca during the resurgent nationalist movement ignited by the 1890British ultimatum to Portugal concerning its African colonies. It was adopted as the national anthem of the newborn Portiguse Republic in 1911, replacing O Hino da Carta the anthem of the deposed monarchy. Portugal celebrated the 100th anniversary of the first performance of its national anthem in 1990. The anthem proclaims; “Unfurl the unconquering flag in the bright light of your sky! Cry out to all Europe and the whole world that Portugal has not perished”. Romania Trei culori (Three colours) was the national anthem of Romania from 1977 until 1989. Since the anti-communist Revolution of 1989 it has been replaced by Deşteaptă-te, Române! (1989-present). Trei culori was written by Ciprian Porumbescu, as the name suggests the anthem had a direct reference to the Romanian tricoloured national flag. The song had the following wordings (variously translated); Three colours I know in the world And I hold them like a holy jewel They are colours with an ancient fame Reminders of a brave nation. As long as in the sky and in the world There will be these three colours We'll have a glorious name And a glorious future. Red is the bravery's fire Sacrifices that won't ever be lost Yellow, the plain's gold And blue is our sky. Envelope with the score of Porumbescu's "Trei Culori" (in use-1977-1990) issued in 1977. Even Te Slăvim Românie (We glorify thee, Romania) which was the national anthem during the period between 1953 and 1977 mentioned the Flag. São Tomé and Príncipe “Independência Total” is the national anthem of São Tomé and Príncipe. The anthem, adopted in 1975, was written by Alda Neves da Graça do Espírito Santo and composed by Manuel dos Santos Barreto de Sousa e Almeida. In the crusade of the African peoples, Raising the national flag. Voice of the people, present, present and united. Saudi Arabia The “Al- Salaam al-Mamlaki al- Saud”, the Royal Salute of Saudi Arabia was adopted in 1950 and then again in 1984 with a change in lyrics. The original lyrics (1950) were written by Mohammed Talat while the new lyrics (1984) were written by Ibrahim Khafaji. “Hasten to glory and supremacy! Glorify the Creator of the heavens And raise the green, fluttering flag, Carrying the emblem of Light! Repeat - God is greatest! O my country, My country, may you always live, The glory of all Muslims! Long live the King, For the flag and the country!” (To be continued)

A blog posting old and also creating new images for holidays and everyday featuring cartoon character Betty Boop.

Trees, Fruits, Crops, etc. on Flags are the direct reflections of country’s natural resources. The importance of the product on local economy, religious superstitions, et al. The Cedar of Libanus (Cedrus Libani) shown on the Lebanese flag is the famous Cedar mentioned in the Bible and symbolizes holiness and eternity. Cedar- a coniferous tree frequently mentioned in the Bible. Psalms 104:16 The trees of the LORD are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted; Judges 9:15 And the bramble said unto the trees, If in truth ye anoint me king over you, then come and put your trust in my shadow: and if not, let fire come out of the bramble, and devour the cedars of Lebanon. Psalms 92:12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Maple Leaf - Canada's distinctive emblem dating from the 18th.Century. The present flag was adopted on February 15,1965 The Canadian State of Prince Edward Island's flag has one big green Oak tree symbolising England and the three Oak saplings for three provinces of the State.The State flag of Saskatchewan shows a western Red Lily, the State flower. The city of Flagstaff was named after a tall Ponderosa Pine flagpole made by the lumberjacks from Boston (known as the Flagstaff Tea Party) to celebrate the United States centennial on July 4, 1876. Green Pine Trees on Flags used during American Freedom Struggle. The central emblem within a garland of 50 leaves shows the tools of logging industry. The crest is a Mahogany tree. The motto ‘Sub Umbra Floreo’ is a reference to the abundant forests of Belize (formerly British Honduras). The Silk Cotton Tree or God Tree is the tree under which the first Treaty was made between the Spaniards and the King of Equatorial Guinea (formerly Rio Muni). Sorghum Plant on the former flag of Burundi (prior 1967) Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), is a cereal crop close to maize and sugar cane. The crop originated in the Northeast part of Africa and has been an important crop of Burundi. Sorghum is used for beverage and porridge. The images depicted on the shield of Fiji represent agricultural activities on the islands, At the top of the shield, a British lion holds a cocoa pod between its paws. The upper left is sugar cane, upper right is a coconut palm, the lower left a dove of peace, and the lower right a bunch of bananas. Bread Fruit Leaf on the former Flag of Grenadines of St. Vincent (1979-1985). St. Vincent was happened to be the first Caribbean Islands to grow this crop. The world wide nature of the United Nations and its mission of peace are expressed by two Olive branches embracing the globe. The flag was flown for the first time in 1947 The Cypriot flag The crossed Olive branches symbolises a desire for ethnic peace between the Turks & the Greeks The ‘Olive stem’ surrounded By a wreath of Olive leaves on Eritrean flag inspired by the United Nations’ flag The two crossed Fern or Namele leaves, representing the traditional way of life of the Vanuatu (formerly New Hebrides) The South Pacific Commission set up in 1947. the distinctive feature of the flag is the presence of a Coconut Palm Tree Flag of ‘DDR’ East Germany (1959 - 1989) in order to make a distinction with the west German flag , DDR’s state emblem within a wreath of ears of corn was superimposed on Weimar colours. However, the flag became obsolete when East Germany got merged with West Germany in 1989. The symbol in the hoist of the national flag of Grenada, once popularly known as "Isle of Spice" depicts a clove of Nutmeg, which is considered as Grenada’s principal crop. The stamps titled "celebration", is designed to show the successful practice of "one country, two systems" in HongKong. Pictures of China's national flag and the HongKong's flag which features a stylised five-petal Bauhinia flower. The flag of Macao has a green background with motifs of five stars, a lotus flower, the stylized Nobre Carvalho Bridge and sea water. The lotus is the floral emblem of Macau. The three petals of the lotus flower stand for the three islands of Macau; the Macau Peninsula, Taipa and Coloane. The Islands of St. Christopher (or St.Kitts), Nevis and Anguilla were earlier combined to form one State in 1967. The then new Statehood flag had a Black Palm Tree in the center with three branches to represent each member State. The desert Palm Tree on Liberian State Flags. ---------------------- P.B. The above is not an exhaustive list of Flags with Flora as motifs on Stamps. *********************

India hosted first International Stamp Exhibition in New Delhi in the year 1954 to commemorate centenary of first issue of India Postage stamps, popularly known as India 1854 Lithographs. There were two known 'essays' (surfaced in an oversees action house catalog) claimed to be prepared for the "Centenary Stamp Exhibition 1954" but never issued postally, which had Flag motifs along with a facsimile of the Half Anna litho of 1854. The set of four stamps issued officially on the occasion by the Indian Post & Telegraph Dept. Publicity slogan post mark provided from large post offices before and during the exhibition. Later, The Stamp Centenary Exhibition was also taken to Bombay and Calcutta. Official stamp issued to commemorate INPEX-82, the Fourth India National Philatelic Exhibition, New Delhi was very identical to the stamp essays of 1954. Republic of Korea commemorates PHILAKOREA 84, Seoul,the miniature sheet has the national flags of all the participating Nations Vietnam Commemorates INDIA 89 World Philatelic Exhibition, New Delhi. The Uruguayan postal department has issued a stamp to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore. The stamp was released by Vice President Danilo Astori along with Indian Ambassador R. Viswanathan in the presence of Foreign Minister Luis Almagro at a ceremony in the Foreign Ministry at Montevideo. The stamp, illustrates the portrait of Rabindranath Tagore, the flags of Uruguay and India and the logo of INDIPEX 2011. Besides above, there are several postal issues viz. Postmarks, Special Cachets etc. depicting the Indian National flag. Here are a few of them; PHILYMPIA 1970, The London International Stamp Exhibition, 1970. USSR-India Bilateral Stamp Exhibition, Yerevan,1982 SAARC PHILEX 96, SAARC Philatelic Exhibition, Colombo, 1996 Nepal Bharat Philatelic Exhibition, Kathmandu, 2004.

In continuation with my earlier Post titled "Flags in National Anthems and Patriotic Songs (Commonwealth Member Countries)", I shall endeavor to present here and in subsequent issues "Anthems and Patriotic Songs" from rest of the world which contains reference to "Flags" and are also found space in the field of Philately. Antigua and Barbuda (Members of the Commonwealth Group of Nations) "Fair Antigua, We Salute Thee" is the the national Anthem of Antigua and Barbuda, penned by Novelle Hamilton Richards and composed by Walter Garnet Picart Chambers, it was adopted upon independence in 1967. The anthem extolled: “Fair Antigua and Barbuda We thy sons and daughters …. Raise the standard! Raise it boldly! Answer now to duty call: To the service of your country....” Albania Himni i Flamurit (Hymn to the Flag) is the national anthem of Albania. Penned by Asdreni (Aleksandër Stavre Drenova). It was first published in 1912 as a poem titled Ëndra e lotë (Dreams and tears) in the Liri e Shqipërisë (Freedom of Albania), a newspaper published from in Sofia, Bulgaria. The music was composed by the Romanian composer Ciprian Porumbescu. “Rreth flamurit perbashkuar” (The flag in the battle unites us) and continues “found us all ready for the oath, one mind, one aim, until our land becomes free from enemy” Algeria Qassam (We Swear) is the national anthem of Algeria. Adopted in 1963. The lyrics by Mufdi Zakariah. The music was composed by Mohamed Fawzi, of Egypt. The Anthem commences “We swear by the lightning that destroys … By the streams of generous blood being shed, by bright flags that wave, flying proudly on the high djebel (mountain)” Armenia "Mer Hayrenik" (Our Fatherland) , the Armenian Anthem was adopted in1991, it is based on the anthem of the Democratic Republic of Armenia (1918-1922), but with different lyrics. The lyrics of the anthem is adapted version of "The Song of the Italian girl" by Mikael Nalbandian. Music was set by composer Barsegh Kanachyan (1885-1967). Here is a flag for you, my brother, That I have sewed Over the sleepless nights, And bathed in my tears. Aruba Aruba Dushi Tera (Aruba Precious Country ) written in Papiamento, is the anthem of Aruba. It is a waltz written by Juan Chabaya Lampe and composed by Rufo Wever. It was adopted in 1976. It contains: “….Bo escudo y bandera ta orguyo di nos tur!” translated “….your coat of arms and flag is the proudness of our all! Azerbaijan Azərbaycan Marşı is the national anthem of Azerbaijan, the original title of which was March of Azerbaijan. The words were written by the poet Ahmad Javad in 1918, and the music was composed by Azeri composer Uzeyir Hajibeyov The patriotic song was re-adopted as national anthem after the fall of Communist rule in 1990. “….. To raise your banner, And uphold your honor, All the youth are eager. Cherished land, Cherished land. Azerbaijan! Azerbaijan! In accordance with Azerbaijani law, there are no official translations of the anthem.(Source Wikipedia free library). The obverse of the Azerbaijani 5 manat banknote issued in 2006 depicts writers, poets, and books from Azerbaijan with an excerpt of the national anthem Belarus "My Belarusy" is the “State Anthem of the Republic of Belarus". The anthem was originally written by Mikhas Klimkovich and adopted in 1955 for use in the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic. The music was composed by Niescier Sakałoŭski. After the collapse of the USSR new lyrics were written by Klimkovich and Uladzimir Karyzny in 2002. The lyrics of the anthem now sing the banner of victory, the banner of sunshine; “Peoples’ friendship is peoples’ strength and Our sacred sunlit way. Fly proudly in the clear skies, The banner of victory, the banner of sunshine!” Anthem of the Byelorussian SSR sung during Soviet period “….In struggles for freedom, in struggles for fate, We have gained our banner of victories. We were united by the name of Lenin The Party leads us in the quest to happiness Glory to the Party! Glory to the Motherland! Glory to you,Belarusian people”. Belgium The “Brabançonne” (Song of Brabant) is the anthem of Belgium. The anthem has a French, a Dutch and a German version. The song was written during the Belgian Revolution, by a young revolutionary named Jenneval. And underwent many changes, the present version was adapted in 1938. The song was composed by François Van Campenhout . The English translation of the French text reads as follows; After centuries of slavery, Belgians arising from the tomb, Have gained by their courage Their name, rights and flag. And you proud sovereign hand, unconquerable people, shall blazon on your ancient banner: For King, and Law, and Liberty. “The Brabançonne” is also a monument (1930) by the sculptor Charles Samuel on the Surlet de Chokier square at Brussels. The monument contains partial lyrics of both the French and Dutch versions of the anthem. Benin (Dahomey). L'Aube Nouvelle (The New Dawn ) is the national anthem of Benin. Written and composed by Gilbert Jean Dagnon, adopted in 1960. The second verse of three intones; When all around there blows a wind of anger and hate: Citizen of Benin be proud, and in a calm spirit Trusting in the future, behold your flag! In the green you read hope of spring; The red signifies the courage of your ancestors; The yellow foretells the greatest treasures. The flag was adopted in 1959, abandoned in 1975 and re-introduced in 1990 Biafra. "Land of the Rising Sun" was the declared national anthem of the secessionist Nigerian state of Biafra. The tune was adopted from Sibelius' "Finlandia". (Note: It had no connection with the Japanese anthem Kimi ga Yo) “…The waving standard which emboldens the free Shall always be our flag of liberty….” Bolivia Bolivianos, el Hado Propicio (A most Favorable Destiny) is the national anthem of Bolivia , adopted in 1845. José Ignacio de Sanjinés, a signer of both the Bolivian Declaration of Independence and the first Bolivian Constitution, wrote the lyrics. The music was composed by an Italian, Leopoldo Benedetto Vincenti. The second verse of three states “her flung banners find glorious expression, we are free! Sons, whom mighty (Simon) Boliver shall call his own… If dishonoured their flag shall ever be.” Brazil The Brazilian national anthem Hino Nacional Brasileiro was composed by Francisco Manuel da Silva in 1822 and lyrics by Osório Duque-Estrada written in 1909 has a flag related verse reading “Brazil ! May thy Star-Sprinkled Banner of gold and green speak to us ever of peace… Brazil, when thy limpid skies so calmly smiling and serene the glory of the Southern Cross shines above." Francisco Manuel da Silva Hino à Bandeira Nacional, is an hymn dedicated to the National flag. The lyrics were written by poet Olavo Bilac, and the music composed by Francisco Braga. It is performed on November 19 (Flag Day). The English translations Hail, precious banner of hope! Hail, august symbol of peace! .... In thy beauteous bosom portraits This sky of purest blue, The impaired greenness of these forests, And the splendor of the Southern Cross. ….. Hovers always the sacred flag, Pavilion of justice and love! Central African Republic "La Renaissance" (Rebirth) is the national anthem of the Central African Republic, Adopted in 1960. The words were written by the then Prime Minister, Barthélémy Boganda. The music was composed by Herbert Pepper, who also composed the national anthem of Senegal, "Pincez Tous vos Koras, Frappez les Balafons". To work! In order and dignity, in the respect for rights and in unity, Breaking poverty and tyranny, Holding high the flag of the Fatherland. There is also a version in the Sango language entitled "E Zingo" Costa Rica "Himno Nacional de Costa Rica" is the national anthem of Costa Rica. It was originally adopted in 1853, with the music composed by Manuel María Gutiérrez. Words penned by José María Zeledón Brenes were added in 1900. Noble patria, tu hermosa bandera expresión de tu vida nos da; bajo el límpido azul de tu cielo blanca y pura descansa la paz. Translated; “Noble country, thy beautiful banner is for us a symbol of thy life.” Curaçao. Himno di Kòrsou is the national anthem of Curaçao. The Flag theme is best summed up by the fifth stanza which goes: “….Our fatherland we demonstrate honour and loyalty, as we do to the flag the union of our nation”.

Asian Oceanic Postal Union (AOPU) Flags of the Member Countries Most of the countries in the world are members of the Universal Postal Union. The Constitution of this Union permits members to form themselves into restricted unions covering specific regions of the globe. Special agreements are concluded to facilitate cooperation and improvement in the postal services of the member countries within the region, provided such agreements introduce provisions more favourable to the members of the public than those provided by the acts of the UPU. Further a restricted Union has the important role of promoting postal development in the region, cooperating with the UPU and the regional economic commissions in the implementation of technical assistance programmes in respect of postal services and strengthening relations with the other restricted Unions. At present the following seven restricted Unions are functioning in different parts of the world: 1. European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT), Stockholm. 2. The African Posts and Telecommunications Union (APTU), Brazzaville. 3. The Arab Postal Union (UPA), Cairo. 4. The Postal Union of the Americas and Spain (PUAS), Santiago. 5. The African Postal Union (APU), Cairo. 6. Asian-Oceanic Postal Union (AOPU), Manila/Bangkok. 7. The Narodic Postal Union (UPPN), Helsinki. Asian Oceanic Postal Union (AOPU), originally known as Asian Oceanic Postal Convention is an inter-governmental organization of 32 postal administrations of the Asian Pacific region.The objective of AOPU is to extend, facilitate, and improve postal relations between member countries and to promote cooperation in the field of postal services. The convention was to come into force on 1 April 1962. On that date, they formed a union among themselves and established its headquarters in Manila with Mr. Palomar, Postmaster General of Philippines as its first Director. The headquarters was relocated to Bangkok in 2002. Philippines commemorated 15 years of AOPU in 1977. The Stamps show Flags of fourteen (14) member countries. The stamp from Thailand commemorating 15th anniversary of AOPU shows flags of eleven (11) member countries . Indian stamp issued on the occassion of 15th anniversary of AOPU shows only the Logo of the Union. Postal stationery Aerogramme from Papua New Guinea commemorates 20th Anniversary of the AOPU in 1982. Philippines stamps issued to commemorate the 50 th anniversary of AOPU. (Note; The 30p denomination stamp reproduces one of the stamp issued earlier during 15th anniversary celebration of AOPU. My friend Mr Kenneth Sequeira very kindly sent me the above two stamps from Dubai. Many many thank you Kenneth) Thailand issued a stamp in the denomination of 3 Bhat to commemorate the 50th. anniversary of AOPU In due course others countries of the Asian-Pacific region joined this regional postal union (AOPU) making it today an inter-governmental body of 32 countries namely; Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Korea, Lao, Malaysia, Mongolia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Thailand, Tonga, Vanuatu and Vietnam.

Don't see the stamps you are looking for in my Etsy shop? Check out my website of vintage postage stamps for mailing or collecting at www.treasurefoxstamps.com where you will find more stamps that I sell that are not available in my Etsy shop. Use the link to browse through my inventory of other exciting and beautiful postage stamps at treasurefoxstamps.com. *********************************************************** Pack of 10 Vintage Unused US Postage stamps of the: 22 cent Flag and Fireworks stamp. Issued May 9, 1987 Scott catalog #: 2276 With the issue of this stamp, the United States Postal Service (USPS) began using the gravure printing process once again to produce definitives. This process is more economical, and results in more colorful stamps. Although flags have appeared on stamps since 1869, this was the first time it was combined with fireworks and was also the first time it was pictured against a nighttime sky. Also good to use for scrapbooking or displaying in a small picture frame. It's a miniature work of art. If you would like me to put a custom order together that includes this stamp please convo me with your questions or request a custom order. I have a large inventory of Vintage US Postage stamp for you to buy from.