Safeguarding Peace

In 2024, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) celebrates 75 years. The organization, a military alliance headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, was formed April 4, 1949, to provide a system of common defense. Twelve countries participated in the original treaty creating NATO, with membership predicated on the principle that an external attack on any member state is an attack on all.

The 3-cent stamp pictured above was issued at the White House April 4, 1952; it features a globe and two hands holding the torch of liberty. President Harry S. Truman autographed panes of the stamp for presentation to the heads of state of countries belonging to NATO.

This stamp is one of several in the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum collections that marks the creation of NATO.