External Affairs Minister (not the Prime Minister) Yuesepa Qazz shrugged as he looked at the display of Kannex's military power. It was all too familiar to him. He had seen large armies during the 1982 Revolution, the 1996-1997 Invasion, the Kannexian Civil War, and the Imperial Restoration.
"Oh, a rather modest 20% of our government budget, Mr. Secretary. We don't like to go overboard with military parades, though. Even if it is the 14th anniversary of the nation," the External Affairs Minister whispered back.
The rolling of tank treads and the rhythmic pounding of booted feet emanated from the precise Kannexian military parade. Jesus Artimino looked with with a sense of curiosity and wonder. Jesus had never seen such a massive military parade, let alone during a peacetime as Arkanglian was more involved with the covert military and naval forces rather than booted soldiers. Jesus heard Secretary Elander mutter something to himself, making it out to be "Kannex spends it on this?". Jesus thought quickly before answering the question that was more than likely not meant to be a question. "It's fairly modest, how much they pay for the military. Besides not all governments can't just pay for social programs" Jesus nonchalantly said to the slightly surprised Elander.
The secretary turned back and said without looking at Jesus, "Well we all can't hope and pray for tax cuts". God, gods, the divine one, whatever you believed, Jesus wanted to burst out and say something that would make a religious man turn bright red. Yet Jesus was a bit better than that, he chided those emotions of anger against the stubbornness of the Secretary and responded. "Mr. Secretary, we can bicker about policy another day. Today is about our continued friendship with Kannex. Like it or not but the President sent you here. Enjoy...yourself".
The last sentence was a bit forced and Jesus thought that Elander more than likely knew that, but what was said was said. With a bit of a huffy nature to him, Elander opened his mouth to respond. His mouth hung for a few seconds, as if he was deciding as to what to say. "F...ine" Elander said with an agorance in the word. Jesus also picked up on the elongation of the 'F', knowing that Elander had more than likely intentions to say something else. Still Jesus shrugged off the slights and confrontations with Elander over the days, for now the parade was here.
A true festive patriotism had become almost airborn with it's wonder and precision. "Afterall, this is what we came for...a nice parade don't you think" Jesus said with a big smirk on his face. The Secretary more than likely rolled his at this but Jesus didn't mind as a happy smile bellied his expression.
The two limousines return to the East Sun Gate, where the Military Minister salutes to the Emperor from his limo.
"Your subject, the Military Minister Wobiek Cherdei reports to Your Majesty the Son of Heaven that the troops of the Imperial Kannexian Armed Forces are ready to observe the 14th anniversary of the founding of the Great Empire of Kannex." The Military Minister then disappears into the East Sun Gate along with his limo.
Emperor Dovira steps into view and is met with much applause. He is dressed in a white military uniform with a sash passing from the shoulder to the hip and a ceremonial Kannexian sword with a golden sheath and hilt. On his breast pocket are several medals.
"My loyal subjects and friends throughout the country:
"Today, we hold a grand rally to celebrate the 14th anniversary of the founding of the Great Empire of Kannex. On this happy and solemn occasion, the people of all ethnic groups throughout the country are infinitely proud of the development and progress of the Great Empire and are full of confidence in the bright prospect of the great rejuvenation of the Kannexian Empire.
"I express my heartfelt memory of my predecessor, the saintly Consul Rajeiia Enylch and martyrs who devoted immortal service to our national independence, the country’s prosperity, and the people’s happiness! My warm greetings to the people of all ethnic groups throughout the country as well as loyal subjects and compatriots in the country and overseas! Our sincere thanks to friends from various countries who care for and support Kannex’s development!
"Nearly 30 years ago, we heard Consul Rajeiia Enylch-dyono's proclamation of the end of chaos and the restoration of peace and order. We heard him announce the defeat of the Nuuwaja Dynasty and the anarchists. Fourteen years ago today, we marched in the gates of Hwaiteu and declared the defeat of the barbarians and anarchists encroaching on our land and the victory of the Kannexian men and women. Since then, we have entered a new historic era of development and progress.
"In the past few decades, the diligent and wise Kannexian nation of all ethnic groups have worked hard with one heart and one mind, withstood the tests of all kinds of difficulties, twists and turns, and risks, made attention-grabbing great achievements, and written a brilliant and triumphant song of striving constantly to become stronger. Today, the Kannexian Empire that is oriented to modernization, to the world, and to the future is standing toweringly in Ajia.
"The Imperial Kannexian Armed Forces and the Imperial Armed Police are among the many examples of our development and progress over the 14 years of the Empire. They will continue to develop their glorious tradition, strengthen their self-construction, earnestly perform their missions, forever make their mark in history, and make new contributions to safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity and to defending world peace.
"History suggests to us that the road of advance has never been smooth. But we, as one Empire and one nation, who control their own destiny and stay united will definitely overcome all difficulties and dangers and continuously create great undertakings in history.
"Looking forward to the future, the prospect of Kannex's development is infinitely bright. The whole Imperial Government, the whole armed forces, and the people of all ethnic groups throughout the country should unite more closely, hold high the great banner of the Great Empire, advance with the times, forge ahead with keen determination, continue to move ahead courageously towards the goal of building a civilized, harmonious, and modernized Empire and achieving the great rejuvenation of the Kannexian nation, and continue to make new and greater contributions to humankind with their own hard work and unremitting efforts!
In reply to the Emperor's speech, a cry arose from the massive crowd of Kannexian spectators and the soldiers who were standing in formation: "Huang-Tei bei-xya sua-aivu! Sua-aivu! Sua-sua-aivu! [Ten Thousand Years to the Emperor! Ten Thousand Years! Ten Thousand Years!]" which roughly meant "Long Live the Emperor!"
".... Begin march!" shouted General Rakiaya Lwali.