Wittenberg

We, TXEC by the Grace of God King of Talossa and of all its Realms and Regions, King of Cézembre, Sovereign Lord and Protector of Pengöpäts and the New Falklands, Defender of the Faith, Leader of the Armed Forces, Viceroy of Hoxha and Vicar of Atatürk, Azul àd ár citaxhiens es cestours:

Today marks the 46th anniversary of our Kingdom's founding. Nearly half a century ago, Robert Madison dreamed an impossible dream that became a living reality. The Kingdom of Talossa may have begun as a 'silly notion' in a Milwaukee bedroom, and perhaps in some ways it still is—but it has thrived, evolved, and matured into a resilient nation.

The past year has tested us, yet it has also been a season of remarkable growth. We have welcomed new citizens into our fold, conducted two general elections, and faced internal strife with a steadfastness that defines us. We Talossans are a unique people: resilient, idealistic, and always carrying a necessary touch of the magical.

Last Independence Day, I proposed two themes for our year: Community and Partnership. Looking back, I see those themes in action despite the miles between us. Whether through the TMT special edition, the Fantasy Hockey League, or our 'Coffee With the King' sessions, we have found joy in simply being together. Partnership was equally evident in our leaders, who chose to do what was required rather than what was easy during our most serious moments. While election seasons often bring incivility, I remain hopeful that this new government will rise to its own high standards while honoring the foundations laid by previous administrations. Our democracy is strong; it is our shared duty to keep it so.

Because of this, I am renewing our commitment to Community and Partnership for the coming year. While we rallied as a people, we also recognized that pockets of distrust remain. Talossa has the opportunity to rise above the fray and prove to the world that our 46-year experiment is not just surviving, but thriving. We must reject cruelty and demagoguery, striving instead to be what John Winthrop first envisioned and Ronald Reagan later championed: 'a shining city on a hill.'

I close today with the same words I shared last year, for their poignancy has only grown: What we have is precious. We must cherish it, foster it, and allow it to flourish. Let us work as one community to welcome new citizens, to speak and use el Glheþ as often as possible, and to weed our garden of anything that threatens our joy. We have a forty-six-year history that is rich, unique, and entirely our own. Let us honor it together.

Well said! A wonderful speech!

¡Viveret Regem! (¡Vivadra el Regeu!)

- MM

Your reference to joy made me think of this wonderful quote in my signature:

QuoteJoy is that leaky bucket that lets me sometimes carry half a song. But what I intend for us, our claim, that joy is the justice we must give ourselves. -J. Drew Lanham

I share your hope we can "weed our garden of anything that threatens our joy" in Talossa and outside of it. And that we can rise above grievance and animosity within ourselves. :)

The offer to share on Fora Talossa remains.