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Hongkong Post today (December 13) announced that a set of five special stamps on the theme "Lighthouses of Hong Kong" will be released for sale, together with philatelic products, on December 29.
Hong Kong's strategic geographical location has been a vital ingredient in its remarkable social progress and economic development over the past two centuries, allowing it to evolve from a "barren rock" into one of the most dynamic passenger, cargo and logistic services hubs in the world. Lighthouses contributed significantly to this growth by facilitating the safe passage of maritime traffic.
This set of stamps is inspired by five picturesque pre-war lighthouses -- Cape D'Aguilar Lighthouse, Old Green Island Lighthouse, New Green Island Lighthouse, Tang Lung Chau Lighthouse and Waglan Lighthouse. All are declared monuments with unique architectural features and interesting historical backgrounds, serving the common mission of providing guidance for ships entering or leaving Hong Kong waters. Using clarity and realism as the main design theme, a combination of map and compass matched with latitudes and longitudes as a backdrop seeks to highlight the important role played by lighthouses in the city's maritime history.
Official First Day Covers at $1 each will be offered for sale at all post offices from December 15, while the stamps and associated philatelic products will be displayed at the General Post Office, Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office, Tsuen Wan Post Office and Sha Tin Central Post Office on the same day. Advance orders for servicing self-provided covers will be accepted at all philatelic offices from December 15 to 21.
Information about this special stamp issue and associated philatelic products can be obtained from the website of Hongkong Post at www.hongkongpost.com.
Ends/Monday, December 13, 2010
Issued at HKT 10:01
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