2016-12-03 Sat

This particular set of Swiss stamps seems especially suited to this time of year when the countries were burning and humanity was at a stake.

Protected by its natural mountain fortress and a well-trained and disciplined citizen army, neutral Switzerland had a unique position in Europe.

Well before the fighting ended in November 1918, Swiss postal authorities had invited submissions from 10 prominent artists for stamps to commemorate the return of peace to Europe. Of these, three were selected, and the stamps were issued Aug. 1, 1919.

The 7½-centime denomination pictures opposing soldiers shaking hands with mutual respect on the last battlefield on an Olive Green background.

The 10c stamp shows a female allegory of Peace extending the symbolic olive branch on bright red background.

The third stamp comes with the denomination of 15c depicting an exhausted combatant on a purple background. With his head bandaged and sword shattered he is shown reclining at the end of hostilities.

These stamps convey a very powerful message to the contemporary power hungry world!