Israel Health Fund FDC

Israel FDC
Name: 75 Years to the Leumit Health Fund
Date of Issue: 08 September 2009

Leumit Health Fund was founded at the height of the British Mandate period in Israel by a group of doctors whose goal was to provide medical services for local residents. The organization was founded in Dr. Yaakov Vinshal's kitchen by doctors who dreamed of an independent, high quality health fund that was accessible to all. There, in that kitchen, the concept of "Leumit" was born, seeing itself as one large family that puts the client first while providing and maintaining high quality, professional and readily available medical service. Leumit Health Fund then went through a creative transformation, focusing on personalized treatment, and by making service, caring, commitment and staff involvement the core of client care.

In 1934, when still in its infancy, the Fund had 35 insured members. Today, with 700,000 insured members who reflect a cross-section of Israeli society's ethnic and socio-economic sectors, Leumit continues to adhere to the principles of service and high quality, personal service.

Leumit provides all of the medical services defined in the National Health Insurance Law as well as additional health services at the highest level, through 340 medical centers located throughout the country and thousands of medical and service staff members.

Leumit is a leader in many aspects of supplementary medical care which is provided to its clients through supplementary insurance programs and offers medical services at the level of private care: surgery performed by the best doctors in public and private hospitals, consultations with specialists (second opinions), significant discounts on medications not included in the list of nationally subsidized medications, examinations during pregnancy, and unique insurance services, such as lifetime long-term care insurance.

Leumit's broad approach to the health field includes treatment that integrates mind and body. Leumit offers a wide range of natural treatments and healing methods: acupuncture, Alexander technique, chiropractic, homeopathy, reflexology, tai chi and more. All of these services are offered to members in conjunction with conventional medical methods.

According to the Ministry of Health's objective criteria the Fund provides the highest quality medical services available in Israel. The unique variety of services that Leumit Health Fund offers its clients, as well as the best range of medications, ensures good health and a high quality of life along with unique, efficient and considerate service.

Israel Animal Therapy FDC

Israel FDC
Name: Animal Assisted Therapy
Date of Issue: 08 September 2009

The connection between human beings and the animal kingdom is imprinted in the collective unconscious and molds our emotional world. The new field of Animal Assisted Therapy, which utilizes this connection to further human wellbeing, is rapidly growing and developing in Israel and throughout the world.

Many studies geared toward examining the unique therapeutic effect of animals (the "instrument") indicate the direct and indirect effects of this connection on a patient's emotional, social and physiological state. The integration of animals into educational, treatment and rehabilitative frameworks is accelerating.

The Emotional Realm: Animals provide people with "unconditional" love, warmth and acceptance, grant them a sense of meaning and a source of security and pride, while also strengthening their sense of ability and self-image. Animals contribute to the development of self-awareness and awareness of others and to the development of feelings of compassion and empathy. They also induce a sense of calm, reduce stress and anxiety and diminish loneliness and depression. Animals help to lessen feelings of anger, frustration and aggression and allow the fostering of self control and emotional adjustment.

The Social Realm: Animals serve in a "mediatory" capacity between the individual and his/her environment. For example, a spurned child may become the "star" of the class after presenting and teaching about an animal, thus becoming the focus of attention. Through learning and a command of body language and communication with the animal, patients also develop better sensitivity and perception in their human interactions. Holding animals may also strengthen a patient's sense of responsibility and commitment to tasks.

The Physiological Realm: Studies show that the presence and holding of furry animals reduce anxiety, blood pressure and increased heart rate. Raising pets contributes to reducing the risk of recurring heart attacks and to better recovery. People who raise pets report a lower rate of headaches, constipation, allergy attacks, backaches, flu and concentration difficulties.

The three stamps display characters interacting affectionately with animals. The stamps and their tabs express the uniqueness of Animal Assisted Therapy, which allows patients to feel needed, meaningful, worthy and capable at every point throughout the process.

Taiwan Deaflympics FDC

Taiwan FDC
Name: 21st Summer Deaflympics Taipei 2009
Date of Issue: 05 September 2009
Number: Com.315

The forerunner of the Deaflympics was the Deaf World Games, which were the first international games for athletes with a disability. In light of the Deaf World Games' scale and the special characteristics of deaf people's culture, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved the name change in May 2001. The ROC won the bid to host the 21st Summer Deaflympics Taipei 2009 from September 5 to 15, 2009. Athletes from some 80 nations will participate. To mark these games, Chunghwa Post is issuing a set of two commemorative stamps.

On the upper right corner of both stamps is the logo of the 21st Summer Deaflympics Taipei 2009. The design of the logo integrates the three major elements of the games: the Chinese character pei (which is part of the compound for Taipei), an ear (symbolizing the hearing impaired) and a person (symbolizing an athlete). The vignette of the NT$5.00-denominated stamp shows a badminton player and a runner set against a map of Taiwan and a pattern of dark and light rings suggesting sound waves. The composition conveys the idea that the 2009 Deaflympics are being held in Taipei. The NT$25.00-denominated stamp shows figures engaged in taekwondo and tennis set against a background of a stylized ear. Drawn in simple and soft lines, the stamp symbolizes the idea of "Taiwan walking out, and the world coming in." It conveys the inexhaustible vitality of Taiwan and the courage with which hearing-impaired athletes face challenges.

Russia Veliky Novgorod FDC

Russia FDC
Name: 1150th Anniversary of Veliky Novgorod
Date of Issue: 04 September 2009

Veliky Novgorod (Russian: Вели́кий Но́вгород; literally Great Novgorod) is the foremost historic city of North-Western Russia and the administrative center of Novgorod Oblast. It is situated on the M10 federal highway connecting Moscow and St. Petersburg. Translated from Russian, its name means roughly "The Great New City" or "The Big New City". The city lies along the Volkhov River just below its outflow from Lake Ilmen. More...

The stamp on the background of birch bark placed an antique image of the Novgorod Kremlin with stylized Sophia Cathedral and the emblem of the city. More...

Russia Military Glory FDC

Russia FDC
Name: City of Military Glory
Date of Issue: 24 August 2009

City of Military Glory (Russian: «Город воинской славы») is an honorary title bestowed upon the citizenry of Russian cities, where soldiers had displayed courage and heroism during the Great Patriotic War. The award, which to date has been bestowed upon 19 cities, is similar to the Hero City title awarded during the Soviet-era, and no city has yet received both awards.

Denominations:
10p.: Belgorod
Belgorod (Белгород) was conferred the status of City of Military Glory by President Vladimir Putin on 27 April 2007. In August 1943, during the Belgorod-Kharkov operation, Soviet troops broke through the defense of the Nazi troops, liberated Belgorod and Kharkov.

10p.: Kursk
Kursk (Курск) was conferred the status of City of Military Glory by President Vladimir Putin on 27 April 2007. During the Battle of Kursk, Soviet Army had foiled last major offensive of the enemy and finally consolidated in the hands of the strategic initiative.

10p.: Oryol
Oryol (Орел) was conferred the status of City of Military Glory by President Vladimir Putin on 27 April 2007. Orel offensive operation was broken beforehand prepared deeply layered protection of the German fascist troops.

10p.: Polyarny
Polyarny (Полярный) was conferred the status of City of Military Glory by President Vladimir Putin on 5 May 2008. During the Great Patriotic War, the city was the main base of the Arctic Northern Fleet. Throughout the war the Northern Fleet carried out the operation as a submarine and surface forces, it is from here.

10p.: Rzhev
Rzhev (Ржев) was conferred the status of City of Military Glory by President Vladimir Putin on 8 October 2007. Under the walls of Rzhev in 1941-43, there was the hardest battle of all the Great Patriotic War.

Singapore Bridges JI FDC

Singapore Joint Issue FDC
Name: Bridges (Philippines - Singapore Joint Issue)
Date of Issue: 28 August 2009

The Philippines and Singapore enjoy a warm bilateral relationship. Both countries also work closely together in ASEAN as well as various international and regional fora. On the economic front, the Philippines is also one of Singapore's major trading partners within ASEAN. Issued against the backdrop of the 40th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and the Philippines, this set of stamps commemorates the warm relationship between both countries.

Denominations:
1st Local: Bamban Bridge
"Bamban Bridge", crossing the Sacobia-Bamban River system, along the MacArthur Highway between Mabalacat, Pampanga and Bamban. Tarlac, is one of the modern and sleek-looking bridges in The Philippines. The bridge's arch has a span of 174 metres and contains 1,400 tons of steel. It is one of the longest bridges of its type in the world and was completed sometime around 1998.

65c: Cavenagh Bridge
"Cavenagh Bridge", built in 1868, is the oldest bridge on the Singapore River. Built to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the Crown Colony of the Straits Settlement, it was converted to a pedestrian bridge. Now, with lighting added in the 1990s to accentuate its architectural features at nightfall, it provides the most convenient pedestrian link between the cultural district at the north bank and the commercial district to the south of the Singapore River.

80c: Henderson Waves and Alexandra Arch
"Henderson Waves" and "Alexandra Arch" , both found along the Southern Ridges, were opened May 2008. Presently Singapore's highest pedestrian bridge, standing 36m above Henderson Road. Henderson Waves connects Mount Faber park to Telok Blangah Hill Park, while the smaller bridge Alexandra Arch, connects Kent Ridge Park to Telok Blangah Hill Park via the Flora Walk.

$1.10: Marcelo Fernan Bridge
"Marcelo Fernan Bridge" is an extradosed cable-stayed bridge located in Metro Cebu, Cebu in the Philippines. It spans across Mactan Channel connecting Cebu Island to Mactan Island. Opened in August 1999 to decongest the traffic from the older Mactan-Mandaue Bridge, the bridge has a total length of 1237 metres with a centre span of 185 metres. This bridge is one of the widest and longest bridge span in the Philippines, and is named after Senator Marcelo Fernan from Cebu City.

Singapore Bridges M/S FDC

Singapore Minisheet FDC
Name: Bridges (Philippines - Singapore Joint Issue)
Date of Issue: 28 August 2009

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and the Philippines. To commemorate this anniversary, Singapore and the Philippines will be releasing this joint stamp issue with the theme "Bridges", which aims to illustrate the close and multifaceted ties between both countries. Chosen bridges include Henderson Waves & Alexandra Arch and Cavenagh Bridge from Singapore, as well as Bamban Bridge and Marcelo Fernan Bridge from the Philippines.

Denominations:
1st Local: Bamban Bridge
"Bamban Bridge", crossing the Sacobia-Bamban River system, along the MacArthur Highway between Mabalacat, Pampanga and Bamban. Tarlac, is one of the modern and sleek-looking bridges in The Philippines. The bridge's arch has a span of 174 metres and contains 1,400 tons of steel. It is one of the longest bridges of its type in the world and was completed sometime around 1998.

65c: Cavenagh Bridge
"Cavenagh Bridge", built in 1868, is the oldest bridge on the Singapore River. Built to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the Crown Colony of the Straits Settlement, it was converted to a pedestrian bridge. Now, with lighting added in the 1990s to accentuate its architectural features at nightfall, it provides the most convenient pedestrian link between the cultural district at the north bank and the commercial district to the south of the Singapore River.

80c: Henderson Waves and Alexandra Arch
"Henderson Waves" and "Alexandra Arch" , both found along the Southern Ridges, were opened May 2008. Presently Singapore's highest pedestrian bridge, standing 36m above Henderson Road. Henderson Waves connects Mount Faber park to Telok Blangah Hill Park, while the smaller bridge Alexandra Arch, connects Kent Ridge Park to Telok Blangah Hill Park via the Flora Walk.

$1.10: Marcelo Fernan Bridge
"Marcelo Fernan Bridge" is an extradosed cable-stayed bridge located in Metro Cebu, Cebu in the Philippines. It spans across Mactan Channel connecting Cebu Island to Mactan Island. Opened in August 1999 to decongest the traffic from the older Mactan-Mandaue Bridge, the bridge has a total length of 1237 metres with a centre span of 185 metres. This bridge is one of the widest and longest bridge span in the Philippines, and is named after Senator Marcelo Fernan from Cebu City.

Singapore Bridges FDC

Singapore FDC
Name: Bridges (Philippines - Singapore Joint Issue)
Date of Issue: 28 August 2009

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and the Philippines. To commemorate this anniversary, Singapore and the Philippines will be releasing this joint stamp issue with the theme "Bridges", which aims to illustrate the close and multifaceted ties between both countries. Chosen bridges include Henderson Waves & Alexandra Arch and Cavenagh Bridge from Singapore, as well as Bamban Bridge and Marcelo Fernan Bridge from the Philippines.

Denominations:
1st Local: Bamban Bridge
"Bamban Bridge", crossing the Sacobia-Bamban River system, along the MacArthur Highway between Mabalacat, Pampanga and Bamban. Tarlac, is one of the modern and sleek-looking bridges in The Philippines. The bridge's arch has a span of 174 metres and contains 1,400 tons of steel. It is one of the longest bridges of its type in the world and was completed sometime around 1998.

65c: Cavenagh Bridge
"Cavenagh Bridge", built in 1868, is the oldest bridge on the Singapore River. Built to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the Crown Colony of the Straits Settlement, it was converted to a pedestrian bridge. Now, with lighting added in the 1990s to accentuate its architectural features at nightfall, it provides the most convenient pedestrian link between the cultural district at the north bank and the commercial district to the south of the Singapore River.

80c: Henderson Waves and Alexandra Arch
"Henderson Waves" and "Alexandra Arch" , both found along the Southern Ridges, were opened May 2008. Presently Singapore's highest pedestrian bridge, standing 36m above Henderson Road. Henderson Waves connects Mount Faber park to Telok Blangah Hill Park, while the smaller bridge Alexandra Arch, connects Kent Ridge Park to Telok Blangah Hill Park via the Flora Walk.

$1.10: Marcelo Fernan Bridge
"Marcelo Fernan Bridge" is an extradosed cable-stayed bridge located in Metro Cebu, Cebu in the Philippines. It spans across Mactan Channel connecting Cebu Island to Mactan Island. Opened in August 1999 to decongest the traffic from the older Mactan-Mandaue Bridge, the bridge has a total length of 1237 metres with a centre span of 185 metres. This bridge is one of the widest and longest bridge span in the Philippines, and is named after Senator Marcelo Fernan from Cebu City.

Taiwan Folk Rhymes FDC

Taiwan FDC
Name: Children's Folk Rhymes (Continued)
Date of Issue: 26 August 2009
Number: Sp.535

Chunghwa Post previously issued three sets of stamps on children's folk rhymes on April 4,1998, April 2, 1999, and April 4, 2001; now it is following up with another set of four stamps on the subject.

Denominations:
NT$5.00: "Little Girl and Her Doll" (妹妹背著洋娃娃)
Originally named "Doll in the Garden," the stamp features a little girl carrying a doll on her back, with the background features the garden described in the song. The little birdie in the upper right corner is a fun nod to the last line of the song and is sure to bring a smile to everyone's face.

NT$5.00: "Train" (火車快飛)
In reflection of the song's theme, the stamp features a child happily riding a train. The red color is lively and fun and creates a joyous atmosphere, conveying the kid's excitement as he gets closer to home.

NT$5.00: "Thunder Shower" (西北雨)The big raindrops of the thundershower echo the name of the song. The pink lotus blossoms in the pond and the fireflies and anthropomorphic fish in the rain add layers of interest to the turquoise water.

NT$5.00: "Kingdom of Dolls" (娃娃國)
The stamp features the king and his soldier leaving their palace on horseback. The distant castle is in reference to the name of the song. The king and the soldier, on the one hand, and the castle, on the other—one in the front and one in the back, one large and one small—create a sense of rhythm for the entire composition.

Comment: Chunghwa Post issued a new pre-stamped envelope on same day, so my friend made a double-first day cover for me.

China Sheetlet: 2009-26

China Sheetlet II
Name: Military Parade on the National Day for the 60th Anniversary of the PRC (中华人民共和国成立60周年首都阅兵)
Number: 2009-26
Date of Issue: 01 October 2009
Value: 8 stamps/set

Denominations:
1.20元 (4-1): Military Phalanx (徒步方队)
October 1, 2009 marks the 60th birthday of the People's Republic of China. To celebrate this national holiday, people from all walks of life based in Beijing gathered at Tiananmen Square for a grand celebration and military parade. The bright-red flag of Chinese People's Liberation Army, escorted by the awesome PLA guard of honor, flaunted against wind, leading the generals and soldiers of the three armed services in a military review by the Party and the people. In powerful steps and a uniform manner, the valiant troops exhibited up-to-date weapons and military supplies, first-class training achievements, and an enterprising spirit, staging a fantastic and distinctive militray parade to the entire nation and the world.

1.20元 (4-2): Land Force and Second Artillery Corps Formation (陆军和二炮装备方队)
In an imposing bearing with the character of the times, formations of tanks, armored cars, self-propelled artilleries, infantry fighting vehicles, and various missiles converged into a great flow of iron and steel, making its way majestically through the broad Chang'an Avenue. The remarkably advanced arms represent the major achievements China made in the construction of a system of armed forces with Chinese characteristics. The weapons and vehicles collectively form a three-dimensional defense net that involves land, marine and air forces and much resembles a formidable Great Wall of Iron and Steel.

1.20元 (4-3): Naval Equipment Formation (海军装备方队)
Riding the waves of triumph, the formidable naval equipment formation comes from the dust of history, bearing witness to the endeavors and achievements made by the People's Navy over the past 60 years in building itself more revolutionary, standardized, and modernized. As a high-tech armed force, the People's navy has constantly reinforced the construction of a high-quality talent team, developed a variety of effective weapons, and established a three-dimensional defense network on the sea, thus demonstrating the rapid development of Chinese science and technology and the constant improvement of China's capability of safeguarding its territorial waters, particularly after the nation introduced reform and opening-up policies. The naval force has formed a maritime Great Wall, which permanently defends the coastal areas and territorial seas of the People's Republic.

1.20元 (4-4): Air Force Formation (空中梯队)
From south and north, from all directions, soldiers of the air forces arrived to meet in the national capital. The fleet of a joint formation of air forces hovered above Tiananmen Square, producing thunderous roars. Alongside the booming tanks marching on the ground, they composed a three-dimensional military array, unfolding a picture of the modernized people's army. In varying forms, different air formations showed off their respective power and charm in the sky. Over the past six decades, these guardians have loyally defended the airspace of our motherland to ensure that all the Chinese people are bathed in sunlight.

China Stamps: 2009-26

China Stamps
Name: Military Parade on the National Day for the 60th Anniversary of the PRC (中华人民共和国成立60周年首都阅兵)
Number: 2009-26
Date of Issue: 01 October 2009
Value: 4 stamps/set

Denominations:
1.20元 (4-1): Military Phalanx (徒步方队)
October 1, 2009 marks the 60th birthday of the People's Republic of China. To celebrate this national holiday, people from all walks of life based in Beijing gathered at Tiananmen Square for a grand celebration and military parade. The bright-red flag of Chinese People's Liberation Army, escorted by the awesome PLA guard of honor, flaunted against wind, leading the generals and soldiers of the three armed services in a military review by the Party and the people. In powerful steps and a uniform manner, the valiant troops exhibited up-to-date weapons and military supplies, first-class training achievements, and an enterprising spirit, staging a fantastic and distinctive militray parade to the entire nation and the world.

1.20元 (4-2): Land Force and Second Artillery Corps Formation (陆军和二炮装备方队)
In an imposing bearing with the character of the times, formations of tanks, armored cars, self-propelled artilleries, infantry fighting vehicles, and various missiles converged into a great flow of iron and steel, making its way majestically through the broad Chang'an Avenue. The remarkably advanced arms represent the major achievements China made in the construction of a system of armed forces with Chinese characteristics. The weapons and vehicles collectively form a three-dimensional defense net that involves land, marine and air forces and much resembles a formidable Great Wall of Iron and Steel.

1.20元 (4-3): Naval Equipment Formation (海军装备方队)
Riding the waves of triumph, the formidable naval equipment formation comes from the dust of history, bearing witness to the endeavors and achievements made by the People's Navy over the past 60 years in building itself more revolutionary, standardized, and modernized. As a high-tech armed force, the People's navy has constantly reinforced the construction of a high-quality talent team, developed a variety of effective weapons, and established a three-dimensional defense network on the sea, thus demonstrating the rapid development of Chinese science and technology and the constant improvement of China's capability of safeguarding its territorial waters, particularly after the nation introduced reform and opening-up policies. The naval force has formed a maritime Great Wall, which permanently defends the coastal areas and territorial seas of the People's Republic.

1.20元 (4-4): Air Force Formation (空中梯队)
From south and north, from all directions, soldiers of the air forces arrived to meet in the national capital. The fleet of a joint formation of air forces hovered above Tiananmen Square, producing thunderous roars. Alongside the booming tanks marching on the ground, they composed a three-dimensional military array, unfolding a picture of the modernized people's army. In varying forms, different air formations showed off their respective power and charm in the sky. Over the past six decades, these guardians have loyally defended the airspace of our motherland to ensure that all the Chinese people are bathed in sunlight.

China Sheetlet: 2009-25

China Sheetlet II
Name: 60th Anniversary of the People's Republic of China (中华人民共和国成立六十周年)
Number: 2009-25
Date of Issue: 01 October 2009
Value: 8 stamps/sheet

Denominations:
1.20元 (4-1): Founding Ceremony (开国大典)
The founding of New China was a historic decision of the Chinese people. On October 1, 1949, during the founding ceremony held on the Tiananmen Square in Beijing, Chairman Mao Zedong stood on the Tiananmen Rostrum and solemnly declared to the world the establishment of the Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China. The founding of the PRC heralded a new era of Chinese history, in which the Chinese people enjoy equal respect, dignity and freedom and the Chinese nation stands in a brand-new imposing manner in the east of the Earth.

1.20元 (4-2): Reform and Opening-Up (改革开放)
The reform and opening-up has led the Chinese people onto the road for prosperity and affluence. On December 18, 1978, the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the CPC was held in Beijing. The session re-established the guideline of emancipating the mind and seeking truth from facts, and decided to shift the Party's and the state's working focus to the construction of socialist modernization and implement the strategic policy of reform and opening-up.

1.20元 (4-3): The Return of Hong Kong and Macao (港澳回归)
On July 1, 1997, the handover ceremony between Chinese and British governments was held in Hong Kong, proclaiming China's resumption of the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong and the founding of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of PRC. On December 20, 1999, China resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Macao. The return of Hong Kong and Macao symbolized an end to the humiliation in Chinese history, saw successful implementation of the scientific concept of "On Country, Two Systems", and erected a historic milestone in the great cause of national reunification.

1.20元 (4-4): Olympic Pageant (奥运盛典)
On August 8, 2008, the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, kicked off at the National Stadium in Beijing, with the Olympic flame ignited for the first time in China. Athletes from different countries and regions competed in a diversity of events. Eventually, China led the world in the Olympic gold medal tally with 51 golds. The Beijing Olympics fully demonstrated the unity and friendship between people of different countries around the world, showcased the sublime spirit and quality of human beings, brought additional glory to the Olympic movement, and wrote a new chapter for the peaceful development of mankind.

China Souvenir Sheet: 2009-25

China Souvenir Sheet
Name: 60th Anniversary of the People's Republic of China (中华人民共和国成立六十周年)
Number: 2009-25
Date of Issue: 01 October 2009

Denominations:
6元: Motherland in My Heart (祖国在我心中)

October 1, 2009 marks the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. Over the past six decades, under the guidance of the CPC, the Chinese people of all ethnic groups have, in an indomitable enterprising spirit and with their spectacular practice of innovation, composed a new epic recounting the Chinese nation's ceaseless efforts to make progress and become stronger. Historic changes have taken place in the socialist China, and remarkable achievements have been scored, with national economic strength greatly increased, culture and education developed, science and technology advanced at a fast speed, people's lives remarkably improved, and the nation's status in the international community continuously improved. The past 60 years witnessed a development path of the PRC, along which the Chinese people overcame all difficulties and achieved glories in all aspects. It is our common wish to further national prosperity and realize great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation!

China Stamps: 2009-25

China Stamps
Name: 60th Anniversary of the People's Republic of China (中华人民共和国成立六十周年)
Number: 2009-25
Date of Issue: 01 October 2009
Value: 4 stamps/set

Denominations:
1.20元 (4-1): Founding Ceremony (开国大典)
The founding of New China was a historic decision of the Chinese people. On October 1, 1949, during the founding ceremony held on the Tiananmen Square in Beijing, Chairman Mao Zedong stood on the Tiananmen Rostrum and solemnly declared to the world the establishment of the Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China. The founding of the PRC heralded a new era of Chinese history, in which the Chinese people enjoy equal respect, dignity and freedom and the Chinese nation stands in a brand-new imposing manner in the east of the Earth.

1.20元 (4-2): Reform and Opening-Up (改革开放)
The reform and opening-up has led the Chinese people onto the road for prosperity and affluence. On December 18, 1978, the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the CPC was held in Beijing. The session re-established the guideline of emancipating the mind and seeking truth from facts, and decided to shift the Party's and the state's working focus to the construction of socialist modernization and implement the strategic policy of reform and opening-up.

1.20元 (4-3): The Return of Hong Kong and Macao (港澳回归)
On July 1, 1997, the handover ceremony between Chinese and British governments was held in Hong Kong, proclaiming China's resumption of the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong and the founding of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of PRC. On December 20, 1999, China resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Macao. The return of Hong Kong and Macao symbolized an end to the humiliation in Chinese history, saw successful implementation of the scientific concept of "On Country, Two Systems", and erected a historic milestone in the great cause of national reunification.

1.20元 (4-4): Olympic Pageant (奥运盛典)
On August 8, 2008, the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, kicked off at the National Stadium in Beijing, with the Olympic flame ignited for the first time in China. Athletes from different countries and regions competed in a diversity of events. Eventually, China led the world in the Olympic gold medal tally with 51 golds. The Beijing Olympics fully demonstrated the unity and friendship between people of different countries around the world, showcased the sublime spirit and quality of human beings, brought additional glory to the Olympic movement, and wrote a new chapter for the peaceful development of mankind.

China Souvenir Sheet: 2009-23

China Souvenir Sheet
Name: Beijing - Hangzhou Grand Canal (京杭大运河)
Number: 2009-23
Date of Issue: 26 September 2009

Denominations:
6元: A Thousand-li Thoroughfare (千里通波)

The Beijing - Hangzhou Grand Canal, stretching 1,794 kilometers from Beijing in the north to Hangzhou in the south, is the longest manmade water course in the world. It passes through Beijing and Tianjin Municipalities and the provinces of Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu and Zhejiang, connecting the Haihe, Huanghe (Yellow), Huaihe, Changjiang (Yangtze), and Qiantang Rivers. Since its construction, the canal has played an important role in shipping, irrigation, flood control, drainage, and the interflow of commodities, and has promoted cultural exchange as well. The Zhenguosi Pagoda, in the canal's Gaoyou Section, is one of the representatives for the extensive promotion of Buddhist culture. First built in the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907), the pagoda originally stood on the bank of the canal, and when the canal was extended in 1956, a 100-meter-diameter earthen islet was erected to surround and defend the pagoda, making it the only islet-based Buddhist pagoda along the Grand Canal.