Notable Figures - 500th Ann of the Birth of Pedro Menendez de Aviles - Set

There was a time when the mere mention of Pedro Menéndez de Avilés caused panic among the corsairs harassing Spanish shipping. He generated admiration among the sailors who traversed the oceans, and profound respect and trust from the two Spanish kings he served: Carlos I and his son Felipe II. He may have been forgotten, but this stamp is rescuing one of the greatest sailors in Spanish history. During his life he rose to be the Governor of Florida, the Captain General of the West Indies, Governor General of Cuba and the Minister of the West Indies.