1984 World Flags

This issue is devoted to the fifth group of sixteen flag stamps. Among the nations honored are Burundi, Pakistan, Benin, Italy, United Republic of Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, Ecuador, and Bahamas.

The flags at the United Nations fly from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. They are flown at the same height and are raised and retired in alphabetical order. Eight to eleven men and women can unfold and hoist the Members’ flags in about 20 minutes. To the casual observer it’s a routine procedure, but the sentiments and care governing the flag ritual are anything but routine. The presence of most nations on common ground, signified by the ceremonial raising and lowering of their flags at U.N. Headquarters each day, is a powerful reminder of mankind’s continuing search for peace in a troubled world.