Royal Mail releases Poppy-coloured stamp set to honour armed forces

The six stamps feature specially commissioned artworks by British artist Matthew Cook, reflecting different aspects of remembrance.

Each has been painted using a colour palette inspired by the red poppy, one of the most recognisable symbols of remembrance.

David Gold of Royal Mail, said: “Remembrance holds a profound place in our national life.

“Through these stamps, we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of those who have served our country through two world wars and many other conflicts.

“Matthew Cook’s poignant artworks provide a fitting and powerful way to reflect on the sacrifices made by so many courageous men and women across the generations.”

Mr Cook said: “Remembrance has a very special place in my life, having served as a reservist in the Parachute Regiment and The Rifles and been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.”

He continued: “I was delighted to be asked to illustrate these stamps and to take on the challenge of such a sensitive and significant subject.

“It is always a privilege to illustrate stamps for Royal Mail, and this project felt particularly special.”

This year’s Poppy Appeal launched last week, with Prime Minister Andy Burnham welcoming armed forces veterans and Poppy Appeal collectors to No10 North to mark the start of this year’s campaign.

Mr Burnham made a contribution to the appeal at his office in Manchester, breaking with the tradition of prime ministers making their donation on the steps of Downing Street.

Mr Burnham said: “This time of year gives us the opportunity to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served, remember those who never came home, and show our gratitude to the entire veterans and armed forces community.

“I also want to put on record my personal thanks to those who have served, and those who continue to serve today, to protect our national security and keep our country safe- thank you for your service and the sacrifice you and your loved ones make.

“Every donation made to the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal will help support those who have served and give back to those who have done so much for us.”

Director of the RBL’s Poppy Appeal, Lucy Inskip, said: “The Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal brings the nation together and helps us raise vital funds needed to support the armed forces community.”

Launched in 1921, this year’s appeal aims to raise more than £50million to support serving personnel, veterans, and their families.

Among the supporters is actress Dame Joanna Lumley, whose father served as a major in the 6th Gurkha Rifles.

She told GB News: “I love the Poppy Appeal because it shows that we care. It shows that we remember that we’re giving back a little towards the people who’ve given so much for us.

“I just think it’s fantastically important. I love to see that every year there’s an enormous crowd at the Cenotaph.

“Still, people are remembering. But of course, gradually the First and Second World War veterans have all died away. Now we remember them with the poppy, but we remember their spirit. I love it.”