Brian Jeffrey
Overview of the 2025 Stamp Program
The Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) has declared its stamp program for 2025, which will feature 12 stamp sets, comprising a total of 27 distinct designs and four blocks.
Highlights of the Commemorative Releases
Among these releases, two special sets stand out. One honors the centenary of composer Nguyen Van Ty (1925–2025), while the other commemorates the 550th anniversary of Michelangelo’s birth (1475–2025). Both sets are set to be unveiled in March 2025.
Additionally, six thematic sets featuring 19 designs, along with two stamp blocks, will cover a range of topics such as Binh Thuy Communal House (Can Tho), Blood Donation, Squirrels, Vietnamese Venomous Snakes, Central Highlands Landscapes, and the Lunar New Year (Tet Binh Ngo). These will be released between May and December of the same year.
The four major event commemorative sets will focus on:
- 50-year anniversary of the liberation of southern Vietnam and national reunification (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025): 2 designs and 1 block.
- 100 years of the Vietnamese Revolutionary Press (1925–2025): 1 design.
- 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2, 1945 – September 2, 2025): 1 design and 1 block.
- 80-year mark since the first general election of the National Assembly (1946–2026): 2 designs.
Historical Context and Previous Commemorations
The events surrounding the liberation of southern Vietnam and reunification have been featured in various stamp issues throughout history. Notably, in December 1976, the “1975 General Offensive” series included designs commemorating three major successes from the Ho Chi Minh Campaign: the liberation of Buon Me Thuot (March 12, 1975), Da Nang (March 29, 1975), and Saigon (April 30, 1975). This six-design set captured the significant victories leading to national reunification.
Subsequently, several issues celebrated the concept of reunification, including:
- Unified Vietnam and Unified National Assembly, both released in 1976.
- The 10th Anniversary of Reunification in 1985.
- Commemorative stamps for Historical Days in 1987.
These stamps have played a pivotal role in documenting Vietnam’s historic achievements while promoting the country’s culture and identity on a global scale.
Collector Sentiments and Future Releases
Enthusiastic stamp collectors are particularly keen on the 2025 releases, especially the set marking 50 years since reunification. However, some collectors have voiced desires for a wider selection of thematic stamps that showcase Vietnam’s cultural heritage, traditional crafts, and renowned tourism spots.
In 2024, the MIC introduced 17 stamp sets, including notable special releases:
- 70th Anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (1954–2024), issued on May 5, 2024.
- 80th Anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (1944–2024) and the 35th Anniversary of the All-People’s National Defense Day (1989–2024), issued on December 18, 2024.
These sets from 2024, along with others like the 70th Anniversary of Hanoi’s Liberation, highlighted Vietnam’s rich historical context and cultural legacy, enhancing its positioning on the global stage.
