A new historical survey published by MICHEL on 25 August 2026 examines how European postal administrations marked the bicentennial of United States independence in 1976. Written by Michael Burzan of the International Association of Philatelic Journalists, the article shows that the anniversary produced far more than a uniform series of congratulatory designs: each country selected people, buildings and symbols that reflected its own relationship with American history.

Andorra placed Thomas Jefferson at the centre of its tribute, while Belgium used the official anniversary emblem. West Germany chose Carl Schurz, the German-born 1848 revolutionary who later became a prominent American politician, together with the US Capitol and flag. Luxembourg depicted Independence Hall, and Monaco used the Liberty Bell and supplemented its issue with a commemorative block. Cyprus selected George Washington in a portrait based on the work of Rembrandt Peale.

Several issues connected the anniversary with philately itself. Portugal and a number of Eastern European administrations referred to Interphil ’76, the international stamp exhibition held in Philadelphia. France paired foreign minister Charles Gravier de Vergennes with Benjamin Franklin to recall French support during the American Revolution. Great Britain also featured Franklin, while Spain produced a four-value issue emphasizing Spain’s military contribution to the American cause.

Taken together, the stamps form a compact study of how postal administrations interpret the same historical anniversary through different national memories. Some emphasized revolutionary leaders, others diplomatic or military links, and still others internationally recognized objects such as the Liberty Bell. The group is therefore useful not only for United States bicentennial collections but also for comparative work on transatlantic history, political symbolism and international exhibitions.

The survey is an interpretive overview rather than a technical catalogue listing. It does not provide catalogue numbers, denominations, issue quantities, printing methods, perforations or complete product inventories for every administration mentioned. Collectors using it as a starting point will still need the relevant national catalogues and contemporary postal bulletins to distinguish the individual stamps, blocks and exhibition-related products.