Given by His Excellency, President Kevin Baugh
26 May 2021 XLIV
My Fellow Molossians, Family and Friends.
44 years ago today our nation was founded, a simple exploration of the
question "what makes a country". In the years since, that question has been
answered again and again by our nation. This idea, Molossia, has grown
from that simple question to a real place on the map, a land with its own
government, customs, infrastructure and more - everything a country should
have and more. We are all so proud of Molossia's accomplishments and making
our nation the amazing place that it is. As always, we take a moment on
this anniversary of our founding to reflect on what we've done in the past
year.
This last year was one of many voyages abroad. In June the Institute of
Volcanology visited the volcanic region around Mammoth, California,
assessing the current state of the geologic features there. Another such
survey took place in August, this time to an area of ancient volcanic
features near Lassen Peak, also in California.
In July the First Family traveled afield, visiting Berlin, Nevada, possible
home to East German subversives, followed this year by a voyage to
historical sites in Eastern Nevada and a journey to Washington DC,
Philadelphia and New York. All of these journeys helped to enhance our
nation's standing in the U.S.
We gained a new citizen late last year with the arrival of Kassandra Dawn in
November. Though far away, she is nevertheless a part of our national family
and her advent brings our population up to 34.
We suffered some losses as well this last year, with the passing of
Molossian citizens Stella the Cat and Molly the Dog. Stella was our first
cat citizen, arriving just last August and her passing in March meant her
time in Molossia was all too brief. Molly, the quiet dog under the bed, was
nevertheless a loving citizen and she will be missed.
COVID finally struck Molossia in December, after leaving our nation alone
for nearly a year since the first outbreak. The First Lady, as well as
citizens Jacques and Noah, all came down with the virus, although thankfully with limited symptoms. With the arrival of vaccines it is likely that
this virus will henceforth pass by our borders and all will be well in our
nation.
In February, we participated in first-ever micronation workshop, hosted by
the Commonwealth of Dracul. We have a wealth of knowledge to share, owing
to the forty-four years our nation has existed. It was an honor to speak in
front of so many micronationalists, new and old, on a variety of topics,
with a goal of sharing the experiences and accomplishments of our nation.
In February, as well Molossia became signatory to a variety of environmental
and human rights treaties, with the goal of making the world a better place,
even from our small corner of it.
As far as improving our own nation is concerned, the Red Square Water Tower
gained a new tank, and the Salt Mine a new headframe. Two new trees have
been planted, further greening our desert realm. And our government is
eying an expansion of our nation, by possibly acquiring the property across
Mary Lane from Harmony Province. If achieved this would bring our Northern
Nevada realm to 4108 Square Royal Nortons (2.6 acres / 1 ha) in size and our overall territory to 22,028 sRN (12.6 acres / 5 ha) in
area.
Though we are not a particularly athletic nation, we nevertheless hosted two
sporting-type events this last year, with the renowned Misfit Regatta taking place
last October and the equally famous Broomball tournament taking place in
March. Both are amazing contests of athletic prowess and skill and we are
proud of all contestants and their endeavors.
The defense of our nation is paramount in this unpredictable world, and thus last fall
our Navy unveiled its latest wonder weapon, the Tuna Cannon. Unusual and
powerful, this unique weapon demonstrates our resolve to defend Molossia's
sovereignty against all foes, no matter their absurdity. Another effort to
enhance our national defense was the launch of a rocket from an island in
Lake Lahontan, this first time our Navy has attempted this - to great
success.
The hot months of summer brought incidences of wildfire throughout the west
and our government increased its emphasis on wildfire safety and fire safety
in general. This included the creation of a firefighting equipment stand
near Red Square.
Of course international relations are always important and thus Molossia
hosted its first State Visit in two years with the arrival of the King and
Princes of the Kingdom of Kelley in May. Now that COVID is seemingly on the
decline, we hope to host more State Visits in the future, as well as
continuing to welcome visitors to our nation on our monthly tours.
This last year has been one of voyages and improvements, always seeking to
advance and better our nation. And we will continue to do this always.
Nations are living things, not just as collections of like-minded people but
also as they evolve and grow. Our nation continues to do this daily, changing,
expanding and advancing. As we continue to march into the future I pledge
as always to lead and guide you. Together we will work to build a
greater nation, greater even than the wonderful, amazing one we have today.