A Speech The Heron Ulrich The Commanding And His Sailors

[Bertramqaz]

Greetings citizens of the Regalia!

I was recently asked by Baron Augustin Reinard of Barlowe to perform a speech on the day given on the Liturgical Calendar to Ulrich the Commanding, Heron of Sailors.
I thought it sad for such a speech to only be heard by thirty or so people, especially since this day pertains to anyone of the sea-legged kind, in the entire Empire.
So here I shall publish it for all Sons of Ulrich the Commanding to read.
-Sovereign Pontiff Stéphan Valeur
People's Church of the Golden Eye


"Many years ago, there walked around a man named Ulrich, a man for which this day is hallowed for. While He was bynamed 'The Commanding' He was a man of the seas as well as the men he took with Him out there.

For it is no coincidence that He has been sanctified as the Heron of all sailors and not just captains and admirals, for the seas care not for which creed you shelter within your heart, only for its own destiny, direction and duress.

Many people who have sat themselves on an aquatic vessel here, will likely nod imagining such to be true. Anyone who have stood themselves onto one for the purpose of career, campaign or cruise will nod knowing this to be true.

This, however small it may look of a fact, this is precisely why Our Ulrich is the Heron of all sailors, from admiral to deck scrubber; for on the ocean everyone has but anyone than the people for whom they share an expensive floating piece of timber.

For do not mistake, those of you who may live a merry life of little worries, the sailor is a hardy man, who must endure scurvy, lonesomeness, death, as well as many other horrors, though worst of which: hardtack.

The sailor however is also a man who therefore knows of the most fundamental cornerstones of Unionism: Cooperation, dependence on his fellow man, ability to love the man who is not his brother by blood, and willingly giving his life for a bigger cause.

This is truly the virtue of the sailor; a seaside boy that decided to choose this path for his life, or a noble boy aspiring to grow to become a captain or admiral, knowing he is as likely to be hit with a ball made of lead as his commoner crew.

And for this reason I salute every single son of Ulrich the Commanding today, living or dead. May he welcome every single one when they ascend."
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