Prince of Asturias Awards 1981–2014. Speeches - page 11

P
rince
of
A
sturias
A
wards
1981-2014. S
peeches
3
Among the many magnificent memories I treasure of the thirty-four years over which the Prince
of Asturias Awards Ceremonies have been held, which are now reflected in this publication, one of
the most powerful is the image of the Laureates who have spoken from the stage of the Campoamor
Theatre. Their thoughts, their counsel, their opinions and warnings, all the dreams that they have
sketched are what essentially make up the history of the Foundation, constructing an edifice built of
grandeur, ideals and positivity.The Awards have grown—as have we along with them—accompanied
by the forthright, emotive and sincere words of so many courageous and socially committed wise
men and women. Furthermore, this body of thought —part of which can be read in this book—
constitutes a prominent and unforgettable part of the Foundation’s heritage.
The reading of this evocative volume also awakens a certain sense of nostalgia. This always
happens when looking back, bringing to mind anecdotes and experiences such as those I cherish
of this time: the brevity of my first public speech, in 1981, and the solicitude with which I read it;
different incidents that slowly but surely reveal the inside story of the institution; the ever-suggestive
recourse to quotes from poems. And, above all, the realization that one word is repeated more
than any other in my speeches: Spain. This fact fills me with deep emotion and heartfelt pride.
Herein lies the hopeful, socially committed, democratic, diverse and united Spain. The Spain of
peace and relentless progress. The Spain of concord and understanding. And, in constant dialogue
with Spain, its brilliant history and fortitude, the grandeur of its millenary journey, its sense of
fellowship and the oft-times proven solidarity of the Spanish people; its pursuit of common interest
and well-being, its strong sense of justice, its unswaying Europeanism and its deep historical ties
with Latin America. All these values and virtues that our country possesses are reflected each year
in the Awards Ceremony.
The Foundation is now the Princess of Asturias Foundation and the Awards, the Princess of
Asturias Awards. Yet their essence —all that has driven them, made them prestigious and enabled
them to grow— remains intact. As intact as the words of those who have been, and continue to be,
the true protagonists of the event: our Laureates. These exceptional witnesses to our times, lovers
of beauty, who are committed to aiding humanity, while remaining faithful to their principles and
values, imbue these texts withmeaning, proffering words which collectively symbolize the yearnings
that drive us, exemplify the founding goals of the Awards and represent our hopes and aspirations.
HM King Felipe VI
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