Swedehearts

Sweden has not always supported American positions in recent years - during the Vietnam war, for example. Nor has the United States always welcomed the ways of latter-day Swedish socialism. But the friendship between the two nations, buttressed by the ties of Swedish immigration to the US, has never been in question. Today, March 24, this fact is symbolized by the issuing in both countries of postage stamps commemorating the 200th anniversary of their Treaty of Amity and Commerce.

Note that the treaty's signing in 1783 took place even before the US was technically independent of Britain or the American Revolution was formally ended by the Treaty of Paris. Eager to be friends two centuries ago, Sweden and America will no doubt be issuing more commemorative stamps two hundred years from now.