Saint David’s Day, our National Day is a day to take stock of our successes as a nation, to remember those who have come before us, and reflect upon the work we still have to do as a national movement in order to advance the cause of Wales. As activists in Plaid Ifanc, it is also a day to be proud of who we are and celebrate together the essence of being Welsh.
It is a day to be proud of our literature, our cuisine, our musical and sporting successes. A day to be especially proud of our unique language and culture – as well as being proud of the diverse origins and the remarkable stories of our citizens.
It is, most of all, a chance for us to be thankful that Wales is a democracy. With Catalan politicians jailed for organising a referendum, and Kurdish youth at war defending their freedom on the front line, it is easy to take our situation for granted.
The Welsh people 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 the idea of a vibrant Welsh democracy wither away and die.
We reflect this year about the lives millions of women throughout our history who have suffered from sexism and oppression – their bravery has formed the backbone of the nation. This year marks a century since some got the right to vote, but decades later, we still have a long way to go to achieve true equality in politics – this also being especially true about our own party and movement.
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 Ifanc are determined to build and create a society which is self-confident enough to resist the countless attacks that Wales suffers.
The uncertainty created by Brexit poses a grave threat to our national construction. As young people involved in the national movement, we must work hard to make sure that young voices are heard. That is why we have begun the National Survey, with the aim of speaking to 10,000 young people across Wales. Why not join your local Plaid Ifanc team out on the streets this month, and attend our National Conference in Bangor on the 14th of April?
The change starts with us, here and now. Join us today to fight for a free, socially just and tolerant nation.
