1995 Joint Issue - US and Palau - First Anniversary of Palau Independence

Get US-Palau Cover Celebrating First Anniversary of Independence

In 1995, the US joined the nation of Palau in celebrating the first anniversary of its independence. Both nations issued a stamp with a similar design as part of the commemoration.  These stamps, cancelled with a First Day of Issue postmark from the issuing countries, are feat...  more

Get US-Palau Cover Celebrating First Anniversary of Independence

In 1995, the US joined the nation of Palau in celebrating the first anniversary of its independence. Both nations issued a stamp with a similar design as part of the commemoration.  These stamps, cancelled with a First Day of Issue postmark from the issuing countries, are featured on this cover.

Palau’s Road to Independence:

During World War II Japan established a powerful empire based in the Pacific Ocean.  After the war many small island groups were left without government and did not have the resources to rule themselves.  In 1947, the United Nations established the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.  Administered by the US government, the territory consisted of the Marshall Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands (except Guam), the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Palau Islands.
By 1986 only Palau remained as a member of this Trust Territory.  Palau attempted to become an independent state in free association with the US several times.  With this status its government would control its own affairs, but the US would be responsible for defense and economic aid.  But these efforts were blocked by the failure to reach a 75 percent approval by plebiscite (a direct vote in which the entire electorate votes on a proposal) that was necessary to override Palau's constitutional ban on nuclear weapons.
Then on October 1, 1994, the Republic of Palau voted for independence.  One year later the US joined Palau in commemorating the occasion with a joint issue.  Identical in their design, these stamps feature Palaua's flag and colorful marine life found in the area.

This cover is a fitting tribute to the relationship between these nations.  Make it part of your cover or foreign collection today.