All across Eiria, festivities were in full swing today as the nation and its 90 million inhabitants celebrated the Republic’s main national holiday, officially called “Day of the Unification of the Republic” (although colloquially called either “Unification Day” or “Republic Day,” depending on who you ask). Students and (most) workers alike had the day off to celebrate with friends and family. Throughout the nation, banners of blue and green were flown from every streetlight, window, and edifice imaginable as many areas threw celebrations and parades to commemorate Eiria’s formation in 1845.
But what is a national holiday without official ceremonies? Early this morning, Chancellor Stendē gave the traditional “Dawn Address,” which consisted of a few passages about the Republic’s values in our modern day, a poetry reading, and an announcement of a few dozen pardons and commutations (as is tradition on Republic Day). Immediately following the address, The Chancellor, Senator and former Vice Chancellor Lynn Morrin, and Ranking Justice Amelie Mercie gathered in Liberty Square to light the torches on top of the famous Demangel fountain (named after Luē Demangel, the seventh Chancellor of the Republic). This torch lighting is meant to signify the three branches of government joining together to lead the Republic.
After a day full of celebration, Chancellor Stendē returned to the Manor for the “Dusk Address” and Twilight Ball, where she was joined by numerous politicians, celebrities, and influential figures. During the Twilight Ball, Stendē announced this year’s crop of Republic Day nominees to the five Eirian merit orders (The Orders of the Grand Republic, Red Star, Green Rivers, Golden Band, and White Fire). Among the nominees were Eirian scientists, artists, civil servants, humanitarians, and athletes with distinguished careers and notable legacies.
Additionally, Stendē expanded on the tradition of the merit order inductions by announcing the addition of Foreign Ensigns of the orders, allowing these prestigious awards to be given to foreign nationals who have achieved truly exceptional things (especially when in cooperation with Eirians). The most notable Foreign Ensign nominees were for the Order of the Red Star, which is open to successful civil servants, politicians, and humanitarians. Announced nominees include Liu Mei-han of Laeral, President Kim I-seul of Haesan, Nantzintli Yauhmi and Great Speaker Texōccoatl of the Huenyan Federation, former Prime Minister Josephine Alvarez of Lauchenoiria, Prime Minister Jacques Arquette of Auria, and (most controversially) President Rebecca Arnott and Councillor Jennifer Hale of Kerlile. The Chancellor also invoked a rarely-used statute to grant a posthumous merit order nomination to the assassinated Queen Sophie I of Auria, asking for a moment of silence on her behalf.
Besides the medals and ribbons themselves, all nominees are granted the right to use specific post-nominal letters, invitations to future inductions and merit order celebrations, and the right (along with military honor recipients) to be buried in the Field of Honor cemetery outside of central Geminus. It is unclear if that latter right applies to the new foreign nominees, but regardless, these nominations represent a great honor and privilege for those who received them.
The full list of nominees (foreign and domestic) may be found on the website for the Chancellor’s Office.
