1988 World Flags

This is the ninth group of sixteen stamps depicting the flags of the Member States of the United Nations. The first eight are Spain, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Yemen, Cuba, Denmark, and Libyan Arab Jamahiriya.

Many flags represent a true piece of their country’s history.  The centuries-old Danish flag is a good example.  Its white cross and red background are said to have originated in the 13th century.  King Valdemar of Denmark saw a white cross upon a red sky before going into battle.  Since the King won this battle, he must surely have felt he had been given a sign.  His flag has been Denmark’s flag ever since this long-ago battle.

The flag of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya is green with no ornamentation.  Green is the traditional color associated with the Islamic religion.  It is used because most Libyans are Muslims.  Of all the flags flying in front of United Nations Headquarters, this is the only one of a single solid color.