President John F. Kennedy15.2.1965

The Department of Posts of Cyprus pays homage to the memory of the late President John F. Kennedy of the United States with the release of three stamps and a miniature sheet on February 15, 1965. Denominations are 10, 40 and 100 mills. This is the first issue where the Cyprus Post issued Official First Day Covers.

The stamps printed in Cyprus shows president John F. Kennedy (1917-1963), citation from his speech in US Senate 13 march 1956 "... self determination for Cyprus".

Thank you Merja.

Kennedy Memorial stamp

U.S. 5¢ Kennedy Memorial stamp was issued on 29.5.1964 at Boston, MA for the 47th birthday of late President John F. Kennedy. The design, which was selected by former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, pictures J.F.K. and the eternal flame from the lighting ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery. It also includes a portion of Kennedy’s Inaugural Address.

John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) 35th American President

The youngest man ever elected president; John Fitzgerald Kennedy was born in Brookline, Massachusetts. He graduated from Harvard University, and after serving with distinction in the U.S. Navy in World War II, was elected as a Massachusetts’ congressman in 1946, and then senator in 1952. In 1960, he was elected President.

At his inauguration President Kennedy launched his “New Frontier,” challenging people to “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” His presidency had many high points: he created the Peace Corps, he committed America to putting a man on the moon, he stood up to the Soviet Union and the threat of nuclear war during the Cuban missile crisis, and civil rights were advanced.

Americans felt a great connection to the young Kennedy family. John’s wife, Jacqueline, was educated, charming, and elegant. Their children were the youngest to live in the White House in over 60 years. Many people use the term “Camelot” to refer to this seemingly enchanted period in White House history.

On November 22, 1963, during a motorcade visit in Dallas, Texas, President Kennedy was assassinated. The nation mourned. After taking the presidential oath, Lyndon Johnson told the world, “This is a sad time for all people. We have suffered a loss that cannot be weighed....”

Thank you Merja for this memorable FDC.

Pieter Willem Botha

These two stamps on the special cover were issued by South Africa to commemorate one of the last agents of apartheid in that country PW Botha.

Pieter Willem Botha, DMS (12 January 1916 – 31 October 2006), commonly known as "P. W." andDie Groot Krokodil (Afrikaans for "The Big Crocodile"), was the leader of South Africa from 1978 to 1989, serving as the last Prime Minister from 1978 to 1984 and the first executive State President from 1984 to 1989. He died in 2006.

First elected to Parliament in 1948, Botha was outspoken opponent of black majority rule and international communism. However, his administration did make concessions towards political reform, whereas internal unrest saw widespread human rights abuses at the hands of the government. Botha resigned the party leadership in February 1989 after suffering a stroke and six months later was coerced to leave the presidency as well.

In F. W. de Klerk's 1992 referendum Botha campaigned for a No vote and denounced De Klerk's administration as irresponsible by opening the door to black majority rule. In early 1998, when Botha refused to testify at the Mandela government's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, he was supported by the right-wing Conservative Party, which had earlier contested his rule as the official opposition. By his refusal, he was fined and given a suspended jail sentence for crimes against human rights. Shortly before his death in late 2006, he renewed his opposition towards egalitarian democracy in favour of a confederate system based upon the principles of "separate development".

Botha was not related to contemporary National Party politician Roelof Frederik "Pik" Botha, his Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Thank you Maria.

Jefferson Memorial 14.12.1973

This impressive building is located on the south side of the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C., the Jefferson Memorial is one of the three memorials to famous American Presidents. Built in the classical style that Jefferson preferred, the memorial overlooks the Potomac River and is surrounded by picturesque cherry trees. Inside stands an 18 foot statue of Thomas Jefferson. Quotations from his writings, including the Declaration of Independence, are etched on the four interior walls. The building was dedicated on April 13, 1943 - Jefferson's 200th birthday.

The blue 3cent stamp on this cover commemorates this famous Memorial. It was issued on 14.12.1973 at Washington, DC.

Thank you Merja.

Archbishop Makarios of Cyprus 3.8.1978

Makarios III), born Michail Christodolou Mouskos (August 13, 1913 – August 3, 1977), was the archbishop and primate of the autocephalous Cypriot Orthodox Church (1950–1977) and the first President of the Republic of Cyprus (1960–1974 and 1974–1977). On September 18, 1950, Makarios was elected Archbishop of Cyprus. In this role he was not only the official head of the Orthodox Church in Cyprus, but became the Ethnarch, de facto national leader of the Greek Cypriot community. This highly influential position put Makarios at the centre of Cypriot politics.

Makarios III died unexpectedly, of a heart attack, on August 3, 1977. It has recently emerged that, in order to confirm the cause of death, Makarios' heart had been removed during an autopsy. The heart has since been preserved in his former bedroom in the Archbishopric. He is buried in a tomb on the mountain of Throni, a site he personally chose. The tomb is near Kykkos Monastery, where he served as a novice in the 1920s and 1930s. To commemorate his life, an imposing bronze statue of Makarios was erected outside the Archbishop's palace in Nicosia; in 2008 the statue was moved to Kykkos monastery and replaced by a life-size marble statue of Makarios. These five lovely stamps on this FDC were issued on 03.08.1978 to commemorate this Great man of Cyprus. Thank you My dear friend Merja for this FDC.

Archbishop Makarios 10.9.1977

Merja sent me this impressive FDC, which was issued on 10/09/1977 in order to commemorate the First President of the Republic of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios. It is important to point out that Archbishop Makarios died on 03 August 1977.

Dr. Rajendra Prasad 1984

Today is the 125th Birth Anniversary of India's 1st President Late Dr. Rajendra Prasad. The Nation pays tribute to this simple man who Graced the Office of President with great Dignity and Humility.