Gorgeous Cranes Stamps Continue to Soar

The stamps below aren’t new, but they inspire nonetheless.

This pair of Cranes stamps was issued in 1994 in Washington, D.C., and Beijing, China—the first joint issue of postage stamps between the United States and the People’s Republic of China. The stamps, representing peace and friendship, picture two large and elegant birds native to their respective countries: China’s black-necked crane and the whooping crane indigenous to North America.

When U.S. postal officials received the proposal to participate in this historic pairing, acceptance was enthusiastic. Discussions about a desirable subject settled upon cranes, for the ideals they represent and because both nations seek to protect the endangered species.

The stamps’ codesigners were Zhan Gengxi, whose works reflect traditional and contemporary Chinese techniques, and Clarence Lee, who also designed the 1993 Year of the Dog stamp.

What subject would you like to see on any future stamps issued with China? Let us know in the comments.

The Conflict in Korea

From June 1950 to July 1953, the United States was engaged in conflict with North Korea and the Soviet Union in what would be known as the Korean War.

The U.S., as part of the United Nations’ forces, enacted an immediate military response to Soviet-backed North Korea’s invasion of South Korea on June 25, 1950. For two months U.N. troops, led by United States general Douglas MacArthur, were forced to retreat from the border, establishing a stronghold in the southwestern portion of the peninsula.

Eventually the North Korean army was driven back across the 38th parallel—the dividing line between the two countries. For three years, U.S. troops defended South Korea’s independence and the world’s right to democracy.

On July 27, 1953, an armistice was reached. The Cold War positions adopted by the United States and Soviet Union as a result were drawn hard and fast along the tensely guarded 38th parallel.

Fighting half a world away, many Americans were disconnected from the conflict, but the effects of the Korean War were known all to well to the veterans and those who sacrificed their lives in the heat of battle. We commend all of the U.S. servicemen who answered the call of duty and fought for freedom.

In 1985, the U.S. Postal Service celebrated the brave veterans of the war with the Veterans of Korea stamps. As part of the Celebrate the Century series on the 1950s pane, a stamp honoring the Korean War was issued in 1999.

What sort of impact did the Korean War have on you and your family?

Amur Tiger Cub Helps Save the World’s Wildlife

[From guest contributor Laurie]

We can’t let National Wildlife Week go by without celebrating the stamp that’s helping to save wild animals—the Save Vanishing Species semipostal. Many of the stamp’s fans call it “the tiger cub stamp,” because of the gorgeous graphic of an Amur tiger cub.

Digital Color Postmark Keepsake (click to order)

Until recently, this tiger subspecies was usually called the Siberian tiger. (Biologists renamed it because much of its habitat is found near the Amur River in Russia and China.) Amur tigers are not only the biggest subspecies of tiger, they’re also the largest cat in the world, weighing up to 650 pounds and measuring 13 feet from nose to tail tip.

Like human fingerprints, each tiger’s stripes are unique. They act as camouflage, helping tigers blend in with their forest’s surroundings. Although tigers specialize in hunting deer and pigs, they are actually quite fond of eating porcupines, and will even snack on small frogs!

Derry Noyes served as the art director, designer, and typographer for the stamp. She worked with artist Nancy Stahl to develop a powerful illustration to symbolize the plight of imperiled animals.

Notecard Set (click to order)

By purchasing this stamp, you are contributing funds that support efforts to create a future in which threatened animal species can once again thrive. Each Save Vanishing Species stamp is valid for postage at the First-Class Mail®, single-piece, first-ounce rate in effect at the time of purchase.