Lest We Forget as Australia Post releases Anzac Day stamps

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‘They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn’ and other historically significant words from ‘The Ode’ feature on a series of stamps to commemorate ANZAC Day launched today.

The five-stamp series depict how Australians show their respects on this national day of significance. Each of the stamps features a line from ‘The Ode’ - synonymous with the spirit and meaning of ANZAC Day in Australia.

Iconic images featured on the stamps include veterans united in friendship during the march; a young woman laying a wreath on a war memorial; a bugler playing the last post; a veteran is shown at the dawn service with a young child in his arms; and a group of proud young Australians holding the Australian flag.

The stamps were launched today at The Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne by the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, AC, AFC. Air Chief Marshal Houston commended Australia Post for their ongoing commitment to honouring Australia's military.

"The 2008 'Lest We Forget: ANZAC Day'
commemorative stamp collection is a wonderful testament to the bravery of the men and women who have served our country in uniform and proudly affirms how much as Australians we value our national day of commemoration, ANZAC Day.”

The phrases and iconic images on the five stamps are as follows:

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Features two veterans, “diggers” united in friendship and shared experience of war, on the march.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn: Depicts a young women laying a wreath on a war memorial similar to those found in cities and country towns across Australia.
At the going down of the sun: Shows the bugler playing the Last Post at the Dawn Service which is symbolic of the farewell to the dead.
And in the morning: Shows a child and a veteran, perhaps an older relative, attending the Dawn Service.
We will remember them: Shows a group of proud young Australians holding their country’s flag.

The Anzac Day stamp issue includes five x 50c stamps, a minisheet, first day cover, stamp pack, maxicards and a prestige booklet.