Commemorative Stamps of the 75th Diamond Jubilee of Victory Day Celebration

“My Contribution to my Country”

Short Introduction

The victory over the fascist Italy invasion, 75 years ago, was celebrated at its Diamond Jubilee with multi-faceted activities including the issuance of commemorative stamps for some of its heroes. The Executive Council of the Association of Ethiopian Patriots took its time to select few amongst many patriots.

The Criterions for the Selection

In selecting the few amongst many distinguished patriots, the council took cognizant of the diversity and the gender gap of the nation. In order to accommodate as many patriots as possible, the council agreed to include four to six of them in a single stamp.

• Religious leaders those faced the enemy head on in defiance to its rule.
• A couple of patriots those headed the association of Ethiopian patriots.
• Patriots those attempted to assassinate the Italian Fascist General Graziani, the butcher of people of Addis Ababa.
• Patriots those could not face the defamation of their flag in a Roman square and fought the enemy in his own land.
• Patriots those engaged the Fascist force head on and lost their precious lives.
• Foreigners those stood by the side of Ethiopia during the fascist invasion.

1. Ras Abebe Aregay
2. Ras Mesfin Seleshi
3. Dejazemach Belay Zeleke
4. Dejazemach Hailemariam Mamo
5. Selvia Pankhurst
6. Colonel C. Robinson
7. His Emperor Majesty Haile Selassie (While delivering a speech at the League of Nations)
8. Major General Orde Charles Wingate
9. Zereaye Derese
10. Colonel Abdisa Aga
11. Ras Desta Damtew
12. Dejazemach Geresu Duki
13. Dejazemach Fekremariam Abatechan
14. Dejazemach Hailu Kebede
15. W/ro Kebedech Seyum
16. Sheh Hojele Alhassen
17. Fitawrari Alemayehu Goshu
18. Dejazemach Balcha Abanefso
19. Dejazemach Afework Woldesemayate
20. Semion Adefres
21. Moges Asgedom
22. Abrham Deboch
23. His Beatitube Abune Petros
24. His Beatitube Abune Michael
25. Colonel Belay Haileab
26. Representatives of the youth entrusted with the Ethiopian flag

Source: The Ancient Ethiopian patriots Association