80 YEARS IN THE SERVICE OF HUMANITY Stamps on the Liechtenstein Red Cross

Andrea Kauer Loens, Director of the Liechtenstein NationalMuseum, welcomes you. Markus Burgmeier, Member of the Board of the Foundation of the Liechtenstein NationalMuseum, and Nicole Matt-Schlegel, Managing Director of the Liechtenstein Red Cross, speak the welcome remarks. Caroline Hilty, curator of the exhibition, Liechtenstein NationalMuseum, introduces the topic.

The opening can also be followed or watched via livestream.

Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, Universality. These seven principles shape the work of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The Liechtenstein Red Cross (LRK) is part of this world’s largest humanitarian network and, as one of the country’s leading aid organizations, always puts people at the center.

The founding of the LRK is closely linked to the end of World War II. On the initiative of Princess Gina of Liechtenstein, the organization was founded on 30 April 1945, in response to the refugee misery at the Liechtenstein-Austrian border in Schaanwald. Within a few days, over 7,000 war refugees sought help in Liechtenstein - this corresponds to more than half of the country’s population at that time!

Based on this immediate aid at the border, various aid structures have developed under the umbrella of the Liechtenstein Red Cross, which are now indispensable in the country: The rescue service, blood donation campaigns, first aid courses, the Youth Red Cross, its mother and father counseling service and the House of Families. It also runs the Haus Gamander for people seeking protection from Ukraine and provides financial support worldwide in war and crisis situations.

Since its founding, 15 Liechtenstein stamps have been issued featuring the LRK. Another five stamps are dedicated to the International Committee of the Red Cross and the mother of Princess Gina, who was a Red Cross nurse.

In celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Liechtenstein Red Cross, these stamps with their original designs will be showcased, providing insight into the diverse activities of the Red Cross movement in Liechtenstein.

“Helping the old”. Founding of the Liechtenstein Red Cross. Josef Seger 1945.

Image rights Liechtenstein NationalMuseumlping the old”. Founding of the Liechtenstein Red Cross. Josef Seger 1945.