1961 US issued stamp to commemorate the Chinese resistance against the Japanese empire. The stamp honors Dr. Sun Yat-sen who is viewed as the father of the Republic of China. His basic principles of nationalism, democracy and people's livelihoods were inspired by the last portion of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.

Took a second look to be sure this was a US stamp. Compliments to the Mrs. for her diligent research.

There is something to be said about this Gallic Cock

 

One thing I can say is I do  not think it is a pretty stamp. Muted colors--not distinctive to my eye.  I had to look hard to determine exactly what it was that I was looking at....admittedly I am half blind.   However it has some  interesting history.

Originally a religious symbol as a sign of hope and faith.  Later in life it became politicized in support of the emerging French nation.  Ultimately a symbol of French resistance.  Sprung from peasant origins, proud, opinionated, courageous and prolific.   This stamp was issued in 1965 by Republique Francaise.

Who is this dude? Desiderius Erasmus

This is Desiderius Erasmus who was a prominent linguist, philosopher and “reformer.” He was a prominent scholar during a period referred to as the Northern Renaissance. He was Dutch but also fluent in many European languages. He had a major influence on the Protestant Reformers although he remained a Roman Catholic. His translations of the New Testament in Greek and Latin provided the basis of a Bible that could be translated into the common language. Luther’s German translation had a profound influence in uniting the German  (Full credit on this information to Dewey Jones, fellow philatalist from the Spellman site.)

This is a 1969 commemorative issue by the government of the Netherlands.

He is assigned to the good guys team.  Later we will have a contest of sorts between the good dudes and the bad dudes as to who makes the more attractive stamps.

Was the UN ahead of the curve with a pride colored mosaic bird in 1970?

I genuinely was attracted to this stamp in thoughts that somehow at some point past, this stamp may have had "Pride" origins.  It was a small shot but worth the look.   I am quite certain not.  That said, I am looking in all the wrong places for information as to the etiology of this stamp.  I can find a nice picture on Pinterest but they don't tell you anything.  Previously I looked at this but lost my very insubstantial notes.  My memory says it was a 1970 issue.  If you trust my memory, you do not know me well.  

However, I did learn the following:  United Nations stamps in United States denominations are valid for postage only if mailed at United Nations Headquarters in New York City. Stamps in euro  denominations are valid for postage only if mailed at the Vienna International Centre, Austria. Another source tells me that with Swiss Francs, you can buy United Nations Stamps at an office in Geneva.    

That said, why does the UN even issue stamps?  To illustrate the aims and achievements of the United Nations so says the marketing/propaganda machine.   Seems rather frivolous to me.

But what about the United Nations?   Does it still have value here in 2021?  From my novice outside eyes, i do not see them solving any world crisis.  Perhaps there best work is behind the scenes and  invisible.