A2504

World War II

Bridge at Elbe River

Winter 2026 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 21 A2501 to A2510 — World War II — 1945 - The Final Year (10-cover set) — 9/2/95

The stamps for this ten-cover set were entitled "Victory at Last" and showed events in 1945 — the final year of the war. The individually hand-painted cachets depict: (1) Raising of the flag on Iwo Jima; (2) General Douglas Macarthur coming ashore after Manilla is freed; (3) Troops fighting and capturing Okinawa; (4) U.S. and Soviets link up at Elbe River in Germany; (5) Allies liberate Holocaust survivors; (6) Germany surrenders; (7) Millions are uprooted cross Europe; (8) Truman announces Japan's surrender; (9) News of victory hits home; and (10) Hometowns honor returning veterans. This final cover is very subtle and is based on a black and white photograph in my family album. The snapshot shows my father after the war as he returned to my mother and me in his hometown of Bloomingdale, New Jersey.

This set is dedicated to all of those who served in the armed forces during World War II. Included in this dedication is loving recognition to my father-in-law, William G. Hodge, who flew on anti-submarine patrols for the Navy and to my father, Fred G. Collins, Sr. who flew on B-17 missions over Europe in the Army Air Corps.