Despite not being an official national holiday, the first of March is our opportunity to celebrate our existence as a nation.
On our national day, it’s important that we remember our history. A history, which over the years, has been eventful. The Welsh have given their all to contribute to Britain’s riches – at times, our communities have paid the ultimate price, sending young men and women to fight in unfair, imperial wars. Thousands of people throughout our history have suffered because of the heavy industry which has scarred our landscape, which has made a select few very rich but has the communities of Wales in derelict poverty.
We remember those who have shaped modern Wales; men and women who have given their lives to fight against fascism; trade unionists and workers who have worked tirelessly to build a welfare state that serves our people; language activists in the 1970s who were determined to see the language live; and generations of inspiring nationalists who have refused to see Wales wither away and die.
Our thoughts today are with the millions of women throughout our history who have suffered from sexism and oppression – their bravery has formed the backbone of the nation. We also remember all those who have received abuse because of their sexuality, their race or their religion. Our duty today is to create a tolerant society, where everyone counts.
In the twenty-first century, Wales has changed beyond all understanding. We now have a National Assembly and so many important institutions which define us as a nation.
But our unacceptable levels of poverty and the low quality of our democracy raise barriers to our national progress. Plaid Cymru Ifanc are determined to build and create a society which is self-confident enough to resist the countless attacks that Wales suffers. In Plaid Ifanc’s National Conference in Cardiff, on the 9th of April, you have the opportunity to shape our vision for a better Wales, and become a part of a movement which refuses to see Wales suffer for longer.
Today is the day to renew our commitment to Wales, by pledging to fight for our freedom. Join us today and fight for a free, socially just and tolerant nation.
