23 apr. 2010

The Message of His Majesty King Michael I of Romania to the People of Strani, Czech Republic

April 23, 2010

 

On behalf of all Romanians, and especially those who experienced the horrors of the Second World War, I wish to extend my warmest thanks to the people of Strani, who have decided, yet again, to commemorate the anniversary of what was one of Europe’s greatest tragedies.

 

Your act is not only one of commemoration, but also a reminder to everyone who did not live during these terrible times, to the younger people of today, about the sacrifices which previous generations made so that our continent should be peaceful again.

When I had the honour to be the supreme commander of our Armed Forces during that War, I knew what we were fighting for. Czechoslovakia was one of our closest allies since your state’s independence in 1918. I fondly remember our military and political cooperation before the Second World War, and I still recall the horror when the news came in that Czechoslovakia was betrayed, divided and left to Nazi occupation.

 

That shameful act alone needed to be erased from Europe’s conscience, and I am proud that our Romanian soldiers took part in the liberation of your area towards the end of that war.

 

Like Romania, liberation from Nazi occupation only meant the imposition of another dictatorship: that of the communists. But our two nations survived all these historic trials. Today, we are joined together as allies in NATO, and as brothers inside the European Union. This is the ultimate gift which we can offer for the sacrifices of the Czech, Slovak,Soviet and Romanian soldiers who fought in your area during 1944 and 1945: that although many of them did not see their countries free and democratic, we have now finally achieved their dream. Their effort was, therefore, not in vain.

 

I am touched and honoured to be asked to address you today, and offer my wholehearted support to all the residents of Strani for your effort to commemorate the past. For a nation which does not respect its past has no future.

 

I know why Leoš Janáček mentioned your municipality (obec) in his opera: it is because you represent everything which is best, in the heart of Europe!

 

Mihai I

 

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