Foundation Day Address, 2017
8th April 2017, Province of Tytannia
My lords, ladies, and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to White Gold Palace as we celebrate four years of the Empire of Adammia. Before we begin I'd like to thank the members of my government who made Foundation Day 2017 possible, in particular the Director of Events at the Cabinet Office, Her Imperial Highness the Emperor Mother, who organised the catering side of today's festivities which will be on display after this speech as we enjoy the traditional banquet. Then, we will round off the day with the Emperor's Fabulous Quiz, featuring questions from myself, His Grace Sir Reginald Hall and Lord Sir Andrew Hall.
My people, I will not hide from the fact that this has been a quiet year for the Empire. My Foundation Day speech last year was admittedly pessimistic about the prospects of the Empire as both myself and the former Legate of Borealia Sir Will McCracken were due to start university. As I expected, the Empire took a knock when Borealia voted to leave us last August. However, what's more important is that Imperial City has remained the heart of the Empire. Foundation Day is back. Not only that, but last month I resolved that the focus of the Empire would be put squarely on these provinces. We have always taken pride in being a realist, brick-and-mortar micronation. The new colony of Alluria I established in Birmingham has done well, but it cannot replace this building as the rightful seat of Imperial power, nor would I entertain the advances of those who would dilute our authority in online venues. The best talents of this Empire, the staff at the Office of the Emperor, such as my legal advisor and Adammia's first ever citizen Sir Alex Helliker, who studies law at my very own University of Birmingham, have been put to work supporting this government here in Tytannia.
Yes, these have been inactive times for the Empire. But Adammia is still here, doing what it does best – Foundation Day. And looking to the future, there is plenty to be optimistic about. Last October's budget means that we will soon have a new, high-quality fabric flag. We intend to expand further at the University of Birmingham, bringing more citizens, more territory, more servicemen, and more talent. And not only that, but we will soon have a new national project to bring the people of the Empire together – a great tapestry, documenting the history of the Empire, is to be commissioned. The future is bright once again, dear citizens. For amidst the suburbia of Northern England, a new national identity has been forged. Four years have passed since the blue and green was hoisted over this land and I expect to see it there not for another four years but for another forty. My people, you should all be proud of what we have built. Seek wisdom and honour, and long live the Empire. Thank you.