Your Excellence, Mr. Steven B. King, Ambassador of the USA, estimated guests, especially the members of 243rd United States Marine Corps, dear friends, ladies and gentlemen.

For me, it is a pleasure to have the opportunity to greet you all on this special occasion, to give you my respect and thanks. Your troops represent the most elite US Army forces, the same army that has already saved Europe twice from World War. To us, the first victory led to the reestablishment of the one thousand years long tradition of an independent Czech nation, that time within the common state of Czech lands and Slovakia, known as Czechoslovakia. Your second victory liberated the Czechoslovak state from the Nazi occupation. I also shall not miss the point that our free Czech Republic of today has risen thanks to the great help of the USA, when the real strength of the US Army and the might of your foreign policy gave us hope to restore the freedom of our country from the communism, giving back to us our sovereignty – a promised you so greatly fulfilled.

Almighty God, Creator and our Father, please let Your blessing rest on Marine Corps and their families. Protect their health and lives, so that they can accomplish their challenging tasks in order to meet once Your Grace. May God fill your hearts with joy and at this festive occasion. I wish you a really blessed and joyful evening of this Military Birthday Ball.