Speech of the Prime Minister ČR Mirek Topolánek on the Occasion of the National Holiday of the Great Britain given on 14th June 2007

Her Excellence Ambassadress, dear Chairman, dear Regional Commissioners, dear guests,

we are meeting here to celebrate the birthday of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, the queen that – and allow me a bit of exaggeration – who is as devoted to her nation that she celebrates her birthday in June, because it is usually better weather than in April, when she was actually born.

But now, I will speak seriously. The British Queen symbolizes a tradition. And I will choose one of meanings of this tradition, which I regard as extraordinary important nowadays. Elisabeth II represents the tradition of human spirit of freedom; the tradition of responsibility, courage, faithfulness and alliance.

The queen governed throughout the days of cold war and she is governing nowadays, when last barriers are being destroyed in Europe. But it is also the time when we perceive new sources of endangerment and when we must to show our willingness to defence and willingness to meet our allied obligations.

I had an opportunity to speak to the British Prime Minister Tony Blair yesterday. I was affirmed that our countries had very similar opinions on the existing development in Europe. Both of us also appreciated the alliance in the mission in Afghanistan.

This day, when we are paying homage to the Queen Elisabeth II, is also a day when the USA celebrate the Flag Day, the Falklands celebrate the Liberation Day, Afghanistan the Mother's Day; various countries, various significant holidays. But there is one common idea here: freedom.

Freedom is an old British value. And it is also the all-European value. The British Queen represents a tradition. She represents continuity. She also represents continuation and the future. Therefore it is symbolical that above-mentioned holidays fall on this day, when we are celebrating birthday of the queen, a representative of the good old monarchy.

I drink to tradition. I drink to traditional value, freedom. I drink to Her Majesty Queen.

Long live the Queen.