While Belgium was a pioneer in thè organisation of World's Fairs (Antwerp 1885 and 1930; Brussels 1897,1910 and 1935; Liege, 1930 and 1939), save football's Euro 2000, which was co-hosted with thè Netherlands, there has not been a major event in Belgium since Expo 58.This probably explains thè great festivities to commemorate it. The Atomium, which was specially commissioned for Expo 58, has become a Belgian icon, so naturally it is thè centre of thè celebra-Ilons fifty years later.
Philately has been considered as an "auxiliary science of history" because it is based on the general principles of other sciences, which in turn contribute to enrich it. It acquires knowledge of the sciences, of the arts, of languages and opens an immense road of social relations through all countries. This science broadens broad horizons of culture, discovers artistic temperaments and offers the interest of the new and the unknown, while performing a positive therapeutic wor.
