Stamp News

The Netherlands: Major Bosshardt

It was with great excitement that the Association learnt of two new stamp issues this year. As each was announced, news travelled rapidly around the world and the SAPHA received several calls and emails. We have pleasure in illustrating the design here.

Nine postage stamps, each worth 44 euros, were produced in The Netherlands to celebrate the life of one of the country's the country's best-loved citizens — Lieut-Colonel Alida M. Bosshardt OF. The colonel, perhaps best regarded for her work in Amsterdam's red light district, was promoted to Glory in June 2007 after a lifetime serving the poor and needy. The nine stamps, each worth 44 eurocents, feature a variety of photographs or illustrations of 'De Majoor' (as she was known - even after promotion to lieut-colonel, in her famous Salvation Army bonnet.

A special booklet was produced by Royal TNT Post, the main mail delivery service in The Netherlands. In it are the nine stamps plus many more photographs of the Colonel through the years. A biography of the colonel is included in Dutch and English and makes it very clear that her inspiration to work with the poor and dispossessed came from her love of God. The front cover includes — again in two languages — the motto by which. De Majoor led her life: 'To serve God is to serve people and to serve people is to serve God'.

Korea 2008

One hundred years ago this month (October 1908), Colonel and Mrs Robert and Annie Hoggard arrived in Seoul from England to 'open fire' for the Salvation Army. Throughout the intervening century with its wars and occupations, the Salvation Army has sought to bring relief and aid to the people. To commemorate the centenary, a special logo has been devised, with the English translation of the territorial motto based on Romans 16:13: 'Filling the land with God's hope'.

A number of events have been taking place to mark the centenary and the Government of the Republic of Korea has given approval for a special postage stamp to be issued in celebration of the Salvation Army centenary. Such approvals are rare, especially for a religious group or body. It is with pleasure that we illustrate the stamp.