Journey of Remembrance
Royal Mail today presents the final set of six Special Stamps in a five-part commemorative programme marking the centenary of each year of the First World War.
Each year of the war has been explored though stamps covering six key themes: Poppy, Poetry, Portrait, Art, Memorials and Artefacts.
The stamps form a beautiful and poignant collection which fittingly commemorates this world-changing conflict.
The imagery on the stamps features historic memorials and artefacts that have become synonymous with the conflict, portraits of some of the participants, art showing some now famous and moving scenes, poems composed during the war and newly-commissioned artworks of poppies – the symbol of remembrance.
The great nieces and nephews of Second Lieutenant Walter Tull, who became the first mixed-race Army officer to command troops in a regular unit, said: ‘We are honoured that this Royal Mail stamp is commemorating our great uncle Walter Tull, who died tragically 100 years ago during the First World War.
‘While it is a time, for us as a family, to remember respectfully the death of our great uncle in such a terrible war, like so many others, we are also proud of his accomplishments.
‘Walter’s life and achievements have been acknowledged and celebrated in a variety of ways for over 20 years. Many of these activities and projects concern challenging and overcoming inequality and discrimination.
‘While this year of centenary may provide a particular spotlight on Walter's story and life, we hope that Walter’s example will continue to encourage and promote projects that support inclusion and equality.’
Stamp strategy manager, Philip Parker, said: ‘The First World War series has been one of our most ambitious stamp projects. Every year stamps have been issued to mark centenaries of the War, and the resulting 30-stamp tapestry is a moving tribute to those who served and participated.’
The stamps and commemorative products can be pre-ordered now from www.royalmail.com/firstworldwar and are available on general sale from 7,000 Post Offices nationwide from 13 September.
