Speech of His Royal Highness, Grand Duke Paul

Given on the Occasion of the National Day Celebration on 27 October 2006

Dear People of Greifenberg and honored guests,

Let me begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to our distinguished guests, who have come from afar, and to our friends who have extended their support to Greifenberg over the past two years. Thank you all for joining us here as we celebrate this, the second anniversary of the founding of our nation. I take great pride in the many changes that have taken place over the last year. Indeed, during this past year, Greifenberg has achieved much for which our people can be justifiably proud. 

Greifenberg is a small nation that faces a multitude of challenges and vigorous competition as we pursue our national goals. Thus, Greifenberg must endeavor to stand tall on the international stage, with the parity and dignity enjoyed by all sovereign nations. This is a wish shared by all citizens of the Grand Duchy of Greifenberg. Throughout the year, the Government engaged in several meaningful exchanges with a number of other micronations throughout the world and we are pleased that this dialogue has been achieved.

Our efforts to date have not only provided us with a stable foundation for a successful future, but they have also served to sustain us in our ongoing quest to establish and maintain our national presence. It will take courage, good fortune, intellect and tenacity – over many generations - to achieve such a feat. But it will also need the providence and protection of Almighty God.  A National Day celebration is therefore a celebration of gratitude. Even if many of us do not use this word, we have every reason to be grateful.

A National Day celebration is also an expression of our national unity and patriotism. In many corners of world in the 21st Century, the term “patriotism” is considered an outmoded and antiquated concept, even a harbinger of isolationism. But our patriotism shall not stop us from being open to the world. It is not a contradiction to be patriotic and open towards the world. The two concepts are not mutually exclusive. Indeed, today, in many corners of the world, Greifenberg is making remarkable contributions, as our nation dedicates itself to active participation in the micronational community, as well as offering aid and humanitarian assistance where practicable.

During the course of the year, I have had the opportunity to attend many political meetings and I have frequently had the opportunity to concern myself extensively with questions that will be important for the future of our beloved nation.  It is clear to me, as it is to my ministers, that the defense of our sovereignty, integration in the micronational community, and the deepening of our global political and economic relationships will continue to challenge our foreign policy in future.  I feel that we are indeed prepared to meet such challenges as they arise.

It is both my duty and my pleasure to report that, judging from the response to the launching of our official government website, it seems that Greifenberg has captured the imagination of many people from around the world.

In March and April of this year, during a private trip to Europe, I was pleased to take part in frank and open discussions with officials in Germany, Liechtenstein, and Poland concerning our not only our nation, but also micronationalism in general. I am confident that these talks will bear fruit in the near term.

I am also pleased to report that earlier in the year the Greifenberg Central Bank was established and plans are currently being developed to issue banknotes and coins. The director of the Greifenberg Postal Service has also recently informed me that plans are being finalized for the design and issuance of Greifenberg’s first postage stamps.

Finally, in closing, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks on behalf of our country and my family to those who have participated in organizing the National Day festivities. May our great nation enjoy peace and everlasting prosperity. I wish you all a happy celebration and God’s blessings.