Speech for the Tenth Anniversary of the Grand Unified Micronational

Given by Emperor Adam I, Chair of the Grand Unified Micronational, during the 24 Hour Quorum on 5 January 2019.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is a great honour to be presiding as Chair of the Grand Unified Micronational as it reaches the huge milestone of its 10th birthday. This is an organisation which has been a constant presence in the MicroWiki community throughout its long and colourful history. From its humble foundation by Jacob Tierney and its early conflict resolution efforts during the Black March of 2009, its domination by Robert Lethler, its death at the hands of the OAM and its subsequent rebirth in 2011, an in-person Quorum in 2012, the first of what has now become three 24 Hour Quorums raising money for charity, the years of scandal and conflict, constitutional reform under Ciprian and another rebirth in 2016, and now the move to Discord which brings us to where we are today. The GUM has seen many ups and downs over the years, but it always seems to survive. Many have criticised the GUM, they have said it is useless and inept at times. In recent months, we have begun to break down the GUM's bad image. Now it is an organisation with a bright future, but we must not forget the lessons of the past ten years. A new generation of micronationalists will soon be taking the reins, and their enthusiasm and drive combined with the expertise and experience of the old guard will create a GUM which will last another ten years to come. Happy birthday to the Grand Unified Micronational!