80 years of freedom: between freedom and fear

Victory Day in Europe is the day on which the Allies officially accepted the unconditional surrender of Germany to its armed forces on Tuesday, May 8, 1945. This day marked the official surrender of all German military operations. That was 80 years ago, and the question is whether issues have appeared from European countries commemorating and celebrating this 80-year milestone. Incidentally, we celebrate Liberation Day on May 5.

France

Nazi concentration camps were large-scale detention centers established by the Third Reich from 1933 until the end of World War II. They were intended to imprison, exploit, and murder political opponents, inhabitants of a conquered country, specific ethnic or religious groups, etc. It is the prisoners who are forced to build these camps. The victims work under inhumane conditions and often lose their lives. The Third Reich used concentration camps, such as Dachau and Buchenwald, to deport and terrorize political opponents of the regime. Subsequently, Roma, Jehovah's Witnesses, homosexuals, and “asocial elements” such as criminals and vagrants were interned. After the outbreak of the Second World War, these camps became increasingly numerous. Not only to imprison resistance fighters and opponents from across occupied Europe, but also to serve as a reservoir for slave labor. The work was exhausting, the food inadequate, care virtually non-existent, the abuse regular, and the mortality rate high. Everything was aimed at dehumanizing the victims and ensuring their quick death. As part of the extermination of the Jews in Europe, six extermination camps were also established starting in 1941. The nature and objectives of these camps differed from those of the concentration camp system.  

Guernsey

69p: Occupation, WWII Bomber Toy Airplane – a World War II Wellington bomber, homemade from wood during the German occupation. 92p: Silver Victory Pin, Resistance Movement; a 'V' for Victory, a symbol of resistance during the German occupation of World War II, made by Alf Williams during the occupation. £1,37: Deportation, Biberach aluminium mug, decorated with a punch by William (Byll) Balcombe in the Biberach internment camp, Germany. The inscription reads: 'Dorsten Sept. 1942. Biberach Nov. 1942'. This mentions the fact that the Channel Islanders, after their deportation, were first taken to the Dorsten transit camp. It is believed that Byll decorated this mug when he arrived in Biberach to document their journey. 1,47: The Red Cross, Packet, a food parcel distributed to the civilian population during the German occupation. The contents consisted of Neilson's chocolate, Maple Leaf Canadian Cheese, and a tin of coffee from Mother Parker's Tea Company. 1.81: Liberation Medal – Brass Liberation Medal of the States of Guernsey, awarded to children who remained on Guernsey during the German occupation. 1,90: Recovery, Child George VI and Queen Elizabeth Photo. On June 7, 1945, King George VI and the Queen visited Guernsey and Jersey to welcome the Crown's oldest possessions and set them free. The royal couple visited Candie Gardens, where the Bailiff gave a speech.  

San Marino

The sheet is a tribute to an extraordinary chapter in the history of San Marino: the hosting of more than 100.000 refugees between late 1943 and 1945. The designs depict displaced persons, symbolizing the suffering of thousands of people fleeing the bombings and destruction of the war, and bread, symbolizing the support and solidarity offered by the people of San Marino during times of extreme hardship.  

Germany

Special postmark speaks for itself with a dove of peace.  

Italy

Victory Day in Europe is the day on which the Allies officially accepted the unconditional surrender of Germany to its armed forces on Tuesday, May 8, 1945. This day marked the official surrender of all German military operations. Various countries celebrate a national holiday annually on this day, also known as Victory Over Fascism Day, Liberation Day, or Victory Day. In the United Kingdom, this day is often abbreviated to VE Day, a term that already existed in September 1944, in preparation for victory. In Ponti sul Mincio (Mantua), Italian postal workers will be working in the park on Via Marconi on May 1 from 11:00 to 17:00. They are using a manual commemorating the eighty years since the Battle of Monte Casale. At this location – as the local authorities explain – one of the final confrontations took place on April 30, 1945, between groups of partisans, assisted by soldiers of the regular army and Anglo-American troops, and German units fleeing into the Alps. Campomarino (Campobasso), on the other hand, focused on May 8, the end of hostilities in Europe. The stamping will take place on May 8, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Piazza Vittorio Veneto 7. It is also a commemoration of the air force base established in 1944 and managed by the United States in the hamlet of Ramitelli. A family walks up a slight hill. The family consists of a woman wearing clothing with the Italian tricolor, a man holding the flag, and two children walking hand in hand carrying a small banner. The entire cartoon is surrounded by confetti in the colors green, white, and red. This image commemorates the eighty years that have passed since the liberation. On April 25, 1945, “the partisan uprising led to the liberation of Milan, Turin, and other cities in the north, which marked the end of the fascist regime and the German occupation. From that moment on, Italy embarked on the path to democracy, which would find its seal in the birth of the Republic in 1946 and in the Constitution of 1948.” This is part of what is stated in the bulletin in question, which, however, is not signed. It continues. The liberation was not a sudden event, but the result of years of sacrifice, struggle, and suffering. The partisan struggle was not only an act of rebellion, but also a choice for dignity and hope for a different future. It was also a great popular movement involving people of diverse social, political, and cultural backgrounds, united by the dream of a democratic Italy.  

Belarus – Russia

In 2025, Belarus celebrates a major event: the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the national postal service Belpochta have announced the issuance of a special series of commemorative stamps in honor of the 80th anniversary of the victory, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology reported. A single sheet, a joint issue by Belarus and Russia. The 80th anniversary of the Soviet people's victory in the Great Patriotic War will be launched on April 25. The print run of the sheet is 10.000 copies. The first day of issue will take place in Minsk, regional centers, and Molodechno, Minsk Oblast.

Joint issue of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus. 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

   

Russia

On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945.

 

Kazakhstan

Another edition commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War.  

Poland

Poland 80 Years of Freedom in a sheet of 12 stamps.  

 

United Kingdom

England, of course, could not be left behind with an issue to commemorate 80 years of Freedom. The special stamp bears the text 'VE DAY and V80'. This year, VE Day celebrates its 80th anniversary, and to mark the occasion, Royal Mail proudly presents a special collection of stamps and collectibles that tell the stories of those who served the war effort. Countries may wage wars, but individuals fight them. The 80th anniversary of the end of World War II is an opportunity to honour some of the extraordinary people who contributed to the victory of the war – fighting on various fronts and in countless campaigns, dedicating themselves to the war effort both at home and behind enemy lines, and volunteering across the Commonwealth. It was the courage and dedication of these people, and much more, that led to the final victory in 1945. A set of ten special stamps honouring the courage and dedication of individuals whose actions saved lives, changed history, and shaped the British war effort. Each stamp features an authentic photograph of the person, capturing their role in wartime. These include pilots, nurses, commandos, resistance fighters, codebreakers, engineers, and firefighters, among others. Designed for both stamp collectors and history enthusiasts. Among them was Vera Lynn, a young singer from East London, best known for her war ballads, including “We'll Meet Again” and “The White Cliffs of Dover”. She toured, sang, and presented on BBC radio, and visited military bases and hospitals in the Middle East and Asia. She played a crucial role in maintaining morale during the war. Vera Lynn, known as the 'Forces' Sweetheart', became the symbol of the national spirit in wartime.

A special stamp sheet featuring four stamps in honour of Dame Vera Lynn, the singer who supported British troops and civilians during World War II. The stamps depict Vera Lynn in various aspects of her war career, including her ENSA performances, BBC radio during the war, and her visits to the troops. In memory of her tireless dedication to the troops and her commitment to war veterans. This Prestige booklet is a richly detailed tribute to the people who shaped the British effort during the Second World War, from front-line soldiers and resistance fighters to home-front workers and intelligence specialists. It contains all fourteen stamps from the 'Valour and Victory: Stories of the Second World War' stamp issue and an extra page of definitive stamps, unique to this issue. Through compelling stories, historical insights, and archival photography, the book highlights the human impact of war and the diverse roles played by individuals from Great Britain and the Commonwealth. The People's War: How individuals from Great Britain, the Commonwealth, and occupied countries came together to fight on the front, work in vital industries, and participate in intelligence and resistance operations. Bravery on the home front: The heroic efforts of firefighters, engineers, and volunteers during the Blitz, including the Civil Defence Network, the Thames Flood Prevention Teams, and the Home Guard. Codebreaking & Intelligence. The top-secret work of Bletchley Park, with William Tutte's breakthrough in deciphering the Lorenz Code, which helped determine the outcome of the war. Women in wartime: The crucial contributions of the Women's Auxiliary Services (WAAF, WRNS, ATS), including Lilian Bader, and the SOE agents, such as Violette Szabó, who risked their lives in enemy territory. Frontline combat and the role of the Commonwealth. The fearless service of Gurkha soldiers, RAF pilots, and Royal Navy sailors, with Bhanbhagta Gurung, Mahinder Singh Pujji, and John Harrison in the spotlight.  

Jersey

Ook Jersey gaf ’80 yrs liberation’ uit in zes typen: Local letter, Local large, UK letter, UK large, Europe, Rest of world.  

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If any more countries issue stamps and/or special cancellations, I would love to hear from the blog readers. I will then add to this '80 Years of Freedom' theme.  

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Previous World War II blogs: https://www.postzegelblog.nl/tag/tweede-wereldoorlog/