Kalistan

[Doc]

Public Memorial held at National Mall
"A Century of Grieving" said Chancellor
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
August 11, 5712


Chancellor of the Empire Alvarez-McLinn remembers Attacks of August 11, 5612

"Today we complete a Century of Grieving," said Chancellor of the Empire Melanie Alvarez-McLinn. "Early in the morning of August 11th, 5612, one hundred years ago today, Kaliburg, Port Swedes, and Eshar were attacked and severely damaged. The attacks were accomplished with a poisonous a mix of chlorine, mustard gas, and white phosphorous, and were designed to burn homes and buildings, and murder our people as they slept. They were conducted by the murderous Legionary regime from Kundrati, with the knowledge and direct support of Likatonia, and with the aid, assistance and enablement of the nations who supplied Kundrati with war materiel, technological assistance, and other forms of support in contravention of international sanctions.

"More than a half dozen nations bear the responsibility of the death and destruction of that night," the Chancellor continued. "Kalistani history books remember the nations that enabled Kundrati in their murderous attacks, and every school child can tell you who they are. As a result of that homicidal policy, much of the area we now stand in was completely uninhabitable for years. And most importantly, more than 40,000 Kalistani Nationals, men, women, children, the elderly, workers... their lives were extinguished as a result of those attacks. That night left a scar upon our nation which has never really healed properly. We are gathered here, at this, our own memorial to the National Disaster, to remember. Perhaps this is the year we move on, but I do not think those who refuse to accept any responsibility for their part will allow us to do so."

All businesses, schools, and public offices were closed today for the Day of National Memorial, which commemorated the tragedy of the unprovoked attacks aimed at the civilians of a sleeping nation. More than 250,000 Kalistanis flooded the National Mall in Kaliburg, and similar crowds were reported in Port Swedes and Eshar. Kaliburg was hit hardest, and the damage to the city was most extensive there: the gas attack, blown by winds led to making significant portions of Imperial Hill and South Kalistan uninhabitable, while fires raged out of control for days across the Downtown areas. "All reports suggest that it was hell for those who lived here."

The Royal Family themselves, who lived at that time at Wilson House in the eastern Wilson Hill neighborhood, were forced to flee from their home when it became poisoned. Mary Ananto regularly said her first memories were of being forced out of her home and escaping to Gaduridos before moving back to Kalistan to Cliff House, which is the Imperial Residence and personal offices to this day. When the emergency ended, Kalistan went to war against Likatonia, and ended up repaying them for their support of the real perpetrators of the attacks, the Kundrati Legion, using Beiteynese missile and possibly also chemical technology with a vicious war, where Kalistanis ignored laws of war and committed war crimes. "While I do not personally condone war crimes, the unprovoked and incontinent attacks against our population centers give me a reason to understand it nonetheless," said the Chancellor in her speech.

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina II Ananto and His Highness, Prince Elliot Rosenfeld arrive at Kaliburg Memorial

Kalistani public figures from Government, society and the arts all attended the memorial. Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina II Ananto, along with His Highness, the Prince Consort Elliot Rosenfeld and the three Minor Princelings, attended along with Her Highness, Princess of the Empire Nicolette Ananto-Collins. Also in attendance were Lady Alice Bjorksdattir, who, along with her husband and children were special guests of Her Imperial Majesty. Current members of House Ananto were also present, as did Lady Marisol Paz Alvarez-Navarro. His Excellency Grand Duke Miguel Alvarez-Winters attended the Memorial in Eshar in Her Imperial Majesty's Name. No foreign dignitaries were present for the memorial.

The Capital Memorial Service lasted for more than an hour with speeches about national service, Kalistani history and calls for peace in the world. The Clerk of the Kaliburg Annual Meeting closed the service with 10 minutes of silence after instructing those who were in the audience who were not members of the Brethrenist Faith about Brethrenist practice. The silence was too much for many, and weeping and sorrow was heard toward the end of the silent period. Thankfully for some, the Clerk broke the silence after 10 minutes with a simple "Thank You Friends." After which time people silently began to return home to continue their memorial with family and friends. Similar programs were followed in both Port Swedes and Eshar.

The Empress has ordered that all public establishments shall be closed the entire week, and the Flag will be lowered to half mast in memory of Kalistan's lost ancestors until August 20, which was the date that the last fires in Kaliburg were brought under control in 5612.

@TheRepublic