This official Ersttagsblatt (17/1995) commemorates the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Issued by the Deutsche Bundespost on May 5, 1995, this souvenir sheet (block) contains two 100 Pfennig stamps that address the profound human suffering and physical devastation of the conflict.
The historical summary on the reverse of the sheet provides context for the two motifs designed by Professor Ernst Jünger:
Destruction of Cities and Villages (Zerstörung von Städten und Dörfern): The first 100 Pf stamp depicts the ruined landscape of a destroyed city, reflecting the widespread devastation across Europe.
Expulsion and Loss of Homeland (Vertreibung und Verlust der Heimat): The second 100 Pf stamp represents the massive displacement of populations. The text notes that the 20th century was marked by flight and expulsion on a vast scale.
Humanitarian Impact: The record highlights that roughly 16.5 million people were affected by these movements, with approximately 2.5 million perishing during the hardships of flight.
