Prince of Asturias Awards 1981–2014. Speeches

7 P rince of A sturias A wards 1981-2014. S peeches Speech XX I return with a deep, contained feeling of elation to Asturias to attend this formal presentation ceremony this year in which we celebrate the twentieth edition of our Awards. This annual reunion with the people, valleys and woods of this dearly beloved land—bathed at present in autumn light— is always a cause of great joy to me, and is even more so in the event of this happy commemoration. I would first like to congratulate the Laureates with all my heart; their selfless work heartens us and is a guiding light and stimulus for all our hours to be as unselfishly given over to others and as productive as theirs have been. Together with those who have preceded them, they are the ones who make us believe. Their contribution strengthens the desires and hopes for the future that we place in the Foundation. I warmly thank the personages and representations from Spain and other friendly countries who have honoured us with their presence here today. I would like to extend this gratitude with special affection to my parents, Their Majesties The King and Queen. Throughout these twenty years, they have lent decisive backing to the work of our Foundation, which pays tribute to those highest moral values towhich constitutional and democratic Spain is firmly committed. Without such values, humanity would be spiritually impoverished, less mutually supportive and even less just. For this reason, it is a cause of great pride for us to be able to foster these values, modestly, but with the conviction and determination required. Our Awards have ever-greater international repercussions. This success lies in unstinting work and a profound commitment to the most hallowed of ethical principles. For without this nobler vision, without trustworthiness, without reaching spiritual heights, nothing lasting, nothing we can have faith in, can be created. Throughout this time, Asturias has contributed significantly to the progress of these Awards, which from here have become the patrimony of all the Spanish people. I thank the people of Asturias for this memorable attitude, so in keeping with their generous dedication to Spain throughout history. I would also express my appreciation to the Foundation’s Trustees, the members of the Juries and all those people who, discreetly and yet passionately, have made them possible. On this anniversary, though, I expressly wish to highlight the vision and efficacious work of Sabino Fernández Campo, our presidents Pedro Masaveu, Plácido Arango and José Ramón Álvarez Rendueles and the Foundation staff, so generously and wisely led by Graciano García. Thank you. On the threshold of a new century, comforted by all these feelings of joy, it is a satisfaction for me to tell this international audience that Spain continues along the road to freedom and progress; it is a journey our nation is undertaking with hope and determination, free at last from the burden of pessimism that so overshadowed recent centuries of its course through history. It is true that there are problems to solve, such as the ones in the Basque Country, where we all have “the heart of our soul”, just like Unamuno. We believe a future with dignity can only be forged by commending what unites us and not by widening what falsely separates us, by integrating and not excluding; we maintain a firm hope that the end to so much suffering cannot be far off. There is always room for meeting and mutual understanding amongst those who place the supreme value of life itself above fanaticism and crime. This evening brings to mind the deepest gratitude and feelings towards those who risk their lives there to defend our coexistence in freedom and democracy, which was won with so much sacrifice. Their commitment and exemplary bravery mean that we are all more human and freer. “Without this nobler vision, without trustworthiness, without reaching spiritual heights, nothing lasting, nothing we can have faith in, can be created.” Watch video