2018-07-25 Wed

Lithuanian Post released a pane of six stamps on 29th June called “Pasaulio Lietuva” meaning “Lithuania of the World”. The pane depicts faces of 100 living Lithuanians and was released on the 100th anniversaries of Lithuanian Post as well as the restoration of the state of Lithuania.

The 100 people honoured on stamps not only live in Lithuania but also all over the world. Historical personalities were deliberately not chosen as the Postal Department wanted to thank all the Lithuanians across the globe who strengthen the national bond. Their efforts push the boundaries of Lithuania beyond.

The selvage features a world map. Six €1 stamps show the basic shapes of six continents while faces of Lithuanians are superimposed. A special commission was assigned to select 20 personalities. Olympic gold medalist swimmer Ruta Meilutyte, and Gintaras Grusas, the archbishop of Vilnius, Michigan-born writer Ruta Sepetys, Lithuanian-American filmmaker and artist Jonas Mekas, Colombian musician Jurgis Didziulis, and Lithuanian poet Tomas Venclova are some of the names. An online contest was held to select the remaining 80 people. 4 million Lithuanians across the globe were united through the campaign on 6th July, Statehood Day, to sing the national anthem.

Image Courtesy: Lithuanian Post