On This Day In History

(Scan of sheet found on the web. K.)

"We the people..." Stearns's (1810-1885) painting was used for the design of the stamp commemorating the signing of the US constitution on the 17th of September, 1787, in Philadelphia.

25 Years ago, on the 3rd of October, 1990, the two parts of Germany became one nation again. Interestingly enough, 1990 was also the 175th anniversary of the national colors, black, red and gold.




(If I may say so, this year's design is rather dull!)

On the 9th of November, 1989, the Wall opened up. Most photos were taken at night because that's when the opening was announced.

45 years ago these days, the Berlin Wall began being constructed. I was reminded of those forceful words in June 1987: "Tear down this wall!". President Reagan and Nancy even helped do just that when they visited Berlin in September 1990.

On this day in history in 301, San Marino, one of the smallest nations in the world and the world's oldest republic still in existence, was founded by Saint Marinus (?-366). Here are images of the two stamps in a set honoring Saint Marinus, designed after details from a painting by Italian Baroque artist Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, best known as Guercino (1591-1666), printed by photogravure (Courvoisier, S.A.), and issued by San Marino on May 14, 1975 as EUROPA stamps, Scott Nos. 858 & 859, plus an image of the original work of art. Bonus: Hand.

- nethryk

On this day, 500 years ago: Martin Luther is said to have posted his 95 Theses on the portal of the Schlosskirche in Wittenberg (seen at the right). The background depicts an original Luther manuscript preserved in the Archives of the Lutheran Church in Hungary. At the bottom are the 5 Protestant Solas, for example, Soli Deo Gloria, glory to God alone. Souvenir sheet issued in April 2017.