Updated 11.9.2022: Today I signed the book of condolences at the Old Town Hall in Prague: "Only great personalities can be a beacon of light for the majority wandering in darkness."
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Her thoughts say more about Queen Elisabeth II than a thousand pieces of information.
"Today we need a special kind of courage. Not the kind we need in battle, but the kind that makes us stand up for all that we know is right, for all that is true and honorable. We need the kind of courage that can withstand the subtle corruption of the cynics so that we can show the world that we are not afraid of the future."
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"It has always been easy to hate and destroy. To build and cherish is much harder."
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"There can be no doubt that criticism benefits everyone, people and institutions. But criticism loses none of its power when it is couched in humour and, above all, with tact and understanding."
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"In the world of tomorrow, we must all work together as hard as ever if we want to be truly united nations."
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"The true measure of all our actions is how long the good in them lasts... everything we do is for the young."
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"Today it may seem difficult that we cannot commemorate this extraordinary anniversary as we would like. Instead, we remember from our homes and on our doorsteps. But our streets are not empty, they are filled with the love and care we have for each other. And when I look at our country today and see what we are willing to do to protect and support each other, I am proud to say that we are still a nation that those brave soldiers, sailors and airmen would have recognized and admired."
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"Nothing that can be said, however, will ease the anguish and pain of these moments. Grief is the price we pay for love."
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"I declare before you all that I will dedicate my entire life, however long or short it may be, to the service of you and our great family to which we all belong."
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"The right to change government by the ballot box, not by the barrel of a gun, which is perhaps the best definition of democracy."
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"Our peace and prosperity can never be taken for granted and must be constantly nurtured so that we never again have reason to erect monuments to our fallen youth."
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"Our religions provide essential guidance for the way we live and the way we treat each other."
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"I hope that in the years to come they can all be proud of how they have responded to this challenge. And those who come after us will say that the Brits of this generation were as strong as anyone. That the attributes of self-discipline, calm determination with good humour and compassion still characterise this country. Pride in who we are is not part of our past but defines our present and our future."
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"The upward trajectory of the nation's history is due, in the long run, to the soundness of heart of its average men and women."
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"To what greater inspiration and counsel can we turn than to the indestructible truth found in that treasury, the Bible?"
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During a visit to President Václav Havel in 1996 in the Czech Republic, she did not fail to recall the heroism and bravery of the Czechoslovak RAF pilots and also recalled the attitude of the British government at the time of Munich. I was once in its vicinity - during the 1996 European Championship football final at Wembley (Czech Republic : Germany) - with President Václav Havel in attendance. I had "THANK YOU ENGLAND" written on a piece of cardboard and Havel's heart on the other side. I still hold the banner above my head.
The world only moves forward with exceptional people. They are like a beacon, pointing the way so we don't get lost and keep us on the right track. There can never be enough guides. The world needs them again today!
Jan Šinágl
9.9.2022
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