Lest We Forget

Overview

Wreath-laying and poetry reading are important components of national Anzac Day commemorations, which are held annually at services across the country on 25 April. The laying of wreaths has long been an Australian Anzac Day tradition, at least since the late 1920s, when the day became a nationally observed event. Poetry about the efforts of the Anzacs during World War I is often infused with a sense of pride in the Anzac spirit – the courage, bravery and comradery displayed by the Anzacs during the failed Gallipoli campaign of 1915. Such verses typically also convey the impact that this event had on a newly federated nation’s emerging identity.

The stamps in this issue feature commemorative wreaths, together with excerpts from early examples of Anzac-inspired poetry.

Technical specifications

Issue date: 13 April 2021
Issue withdrawal date: 31 October 2021
Denomination: $1.10 x 2
Stamp design: Janet Boschen Design
Product design: Janet Boschen Design
Paper: gummed: Tullis Russell 104gsm Red Phos./Blue PVA
Paper: self-adhesive: Tullis Russell Red Phos PSA (P55) 100GM Release
Printer: RA Printing
Printing process: Offset lithography
Stamp size (mm): 26 x 37.5
Minisheet size (mm): 130 x 60
Perforations: 14.6 x 13.86
Sheet layout: Module of 50
FDI Postmark: Canberra ACT 2601
FDI withdrawal date: 11 May 2021

Stamps in this issue

$1.10 Laurel wreath

This stamp presents an Anzac Day wreath formed from laurel (bay) leaves, laurel being used in Roman times to crown victors and the brave. Traditionally, laurel wreaths are tear-shaped, to symbolise tears shed for the fallen. There are often three poppies at the base, to represent the Australian Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as sprigs of rosemary, another evocative symbol of remembrance – its strong smell is said to aid the memory. A purple ribbon is usually draped across, purple being a symbol of mourning.

The stamp also features an excerpt from “The Soul of Australia”, which was composed by writer and journalist JHM Abbott (1874–1953), also a serving officer in the Boer War (1899–1902). Published in The Brisbane Courier on Anzac Day 1916, the poem has also been set to music and was performed by Gallipoli Choir at Anzac Day services in Gallipoli, in 2013.

The stamp photograph is by Xavier Ho.

$1.10 Poppy wreath

While single poppies aren’t usually a feature of Anzac Day, poppy wreaths are placed at memorials. In 1934, Prince Henry, the Duke of Gloucester, planted a pine tree in the grounds of the Australian War Memorial, which was still under construction. Nearby, he placed a poppy wreath, which is featured on this stamp.

The stamp also presents an excerpt from the poem “We’re All Australians Now”, which was written in 1915 as an open letter to the troops at the Dardanelles, by bush balladeer, author and war correspondent AB “Banjo” Paterson (1864–1941). The 14-verse poem is infused with a strong sense of patriotism and gratitude.

The stamp photograph is from the collections of the Australian War Memorial.