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(*) Free translation of the Luxembourgish original version
Dear citizens,
Before I place the destiny of our country into the hands of Prince Henri tomorrow, the Grand Duchess and I should like to express our sincere gratitude to you all.
During the 36 years I have stood at the head of our country, we have always been able to count on your valued trust.
I sensed your feelings way back in 1939, during the celebrations to mark the 100th anniversary of our country’s independence. Whilst in exile, these feelings gave me the strength to fight with the allied armies alongside my father, Prince Felix.
During this time I feared for our country.
As every true Luxembourger, I was prepared to risk everything for our freedom. The people of my generation in particular still remember those perilous times. Our experiences made us aware of how much our country meant to us.
I remember with great respect all those who suffered as a result of the war, but most of all those who gave their lives for their country.
After the war, we were united, together with my mother, Grand Duchess Charlotte, in our efforts to rebuild our devastated country and to breathe new life into our institutions.
In 1961, when I became deputy lieutenant, and again in 1964, when I became Grand Duke, you wished me every success in my bid, together with you, to make Luxembourg a modern country.
Together we have achieved our aim.
At no other time in its history has our country commanded such respect throughout the world.
Never before has Luxembourg experienced such a lengthy period of peace, political stability and growth.
Never before has our standard of living been so high and our social-security system so well developed as today.
Never before have so many people lived and worked in our country and never before have we enjoyed such cultural wealth.
An important prerequisite therefore is our participation in the European Union.
As an equal partner, our country makes a valuable contribution towards Europe’s development. We have succeeded in adapting our economy to the modern age.
I remember in particular the steel crisis and the changeover from industry to services and new technologies. During this time, we did not forget the concerns of the people.
We were also able to count on foreign labour, which now accounts for more than half of our active population.
This development influenced our mentality and our habits. We have also become more aware of our duty to preserve the environment and nature.
Our children have grown up with and experienced these changes at first hand. As a result, they find it quite normal to live and work with people from other countries. Moreover, they are embracing new technology such as the internet.
I notice this willingness in Prince Henri and his family, who welcome and take an interest in all new developments.
Henri and Maria Teresa have a great sense of responsibility regarding their duties.
My son has proven his commitment over the past two years by helping me perform the duties as laid down for me in the constitution.
If you place the same trust in Prince Henri as you placed in me, I feel certain that he will lead our country in the next millennium with the same stability as we have enjoyed hitherto.
The Grand Duchess has been and continues to be a great tower of strength in my life. We are delighted to remain in your midst.
The Grand Duchess is not with me today. Tomorrow she will be in our midst because we have received good news concerning Prince Guillaume.
We are all very pleased about this. Everything may be more heartening by tomorrow. We would therefore like to warmly thank you for the messages we received from the whole population. They were of great moral help for us and enabled us to overcome our fears.
We shall always look upon our country and the Luxembourg people with the greatest affection.
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