Xiongjing – The Bai Empire commemorates the 59th year since the end of the Warlord Era, that reunified Bai under a new government and ushered in the New Bai Dynasty.
Speaking at the morning ceremony in the Imperial Palace, His Majesty the Fengyang Emperor has called for continued national unity and prosperity, as he trumpeted the achievements the Empire has attained in the past year.
“Let us continue to uphold the values of democracy and freedom, and may Bai remain whole for many generations to come! The glory of the Empire shall shine as long as it lives. Long live the Empire!”
While an official holiday in the Empire, the official events were largely scaled-down compared to the upcoming Restoration Day, that will commemorate the re-establishment of the New Bai Dynasty.
Pro-Republican demonstrations were also held across the country on the day itself, with a large gathering at Xiongjing’s Democracy Square. While the majority back then in 1962 had voted to restore the Bai monarchy, a movement calling for Bai’s transition to a presidential republic has began to gain traction over the years. The Empire has always seen pro-republic demonstrations on 17 August each year.
“59 years ago, our newly reunified country should have transitioned to a republic. The Empire was established on the silencing of opponents and intimidation and went against our democratic values. We call for a referendum for the future of our people and the country,” said Zhang Shou, the orator at Democracy Square.
There were reports that a group of protestors in Port Dunghoi were arrested for displayed the Cinasian flag during a pro-republican rally. Likely intended as a show of support for a republic, the display of the Cinasian flag, however, has been banned in the Empire. Its use was questioned even in the pro-republican movement, who are largely against Cinasian formal independence.
Chancellor Li Shenkang was reported to be visiting Dahu to join in the official events around Bai’s Great Lake. Accompanied by other officials, he will be inspecting the restoration works of several ancient monuments around the lake.
In a tweet this morning, he has called for the reunion of Dehua (Cinasia) and Kaosha into the Empire, the two self-ruled regions Bai continues to claim over. Similarly to the Emperor’s speech, he has also called for continued unity for the country’s peace and prosperity.
