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Celestia looked out at all the ponies assembled on parade grounds for Service to the Crown Day in my Equestria dreamscape. Silently they awaited her speech; Celestia smiled and then she began.

    “Greetings everypony.” Celestia did not appear to be using the normal Royal Canterlot voice but later everypony I spoke to could apparently hear her just fine.

    “Today Myself and Luna stand here in honor to the commitment, loyalty, and sacrifice that everyone of you have made to the Kingdom of Equestria. Today we’ve marched with you not garner greater fame or recognition for ourselves, but instead to honor to what you’ve done for this great kingdom.”

    She paused for a moment as her gaze swept the assembly. “In less that two years our fair lands have faced many challenges and adversities, but in every case we have risen to the challenge and triumphed.” Celestia turned her head and looked at Luna.

    “My dear sister is once again safe amongst us thanks to the heroic actions of the Bearers of Elements of Harmony, and due to their courage and wisdom Discord has once again been dealt with. Their deeds will be remembered by future generations of ponies as shining moments of courage and determination. “

    Celestia and Luna turned and looked at Mane Six gathered behind them. “Luna and I have no words to describe how fortunate we feel to know such excellent ponies.” In unison the Royal Sisters bowed their heads to them. Then the Royal Sisters turned and looked out the vast assembly of ponies again.

    “Many of you gathered here today served with us recently in North where we repelled an unprovoked attack by the dragons upon our lands. Many a pony paid the ultimate price to assure that victory, and their final sacrifices shall not be forgotten for as long as Luna and I walk this world. It is because of their sacrifices that my sister and I decide to don the same barding that we wore when we stood by your side and defended the realm. There are also many a pony who sustained injuries in their service to the crown, and Equestria will do all in its power to assure they will receive the care they need to resume their lives again.”

    A great chorus of applause arose from the parade grounds and the bleachers around them. Celestia smiled and looked around at the audience, slowly it died down.

    Celestia closed her eyes and took a moment before resuming her speech. “But there have been other battles and struggles fought by ponies just as important as those that have garnered such fanfare that have received little or no accolades from the public gallery. Celestia and Luna glanced back at Twilight, Petina, myself, Applejack, Applebloom and Zecora.

    “They have fought battles whose outcomes could’ve have been more devastating than an army of dragons if they had failed. However their battles were fought far bright spotlight of public knowledge. Some of their actions have had dramatic effects that physically changed the very land of Equestria. “ Celestia smiled at Applebloom. “And some have struggled and prevailed against enemies that have resided within themselves, but in the end they all rose to challenge and were victorious. Today Luna and I want to thank everyone of you.”

    A thunderous roar of applause rose from the ponies gathered in the park. Celestia patiently let it run its course until the crowd settled down again. Then she resumed her speech.

    But civilizations do not thrive on moments of occasional of heroic actions; those who live there build its foundation upon the countless small deeds they perform everyday. Like individual raindrops that make up a rain cloud it is these seemingly insignificant actions that can have the most profound effect on a community, for those same raindrops can nourish a parched land and let it thrive when given with love, care and respect or they can wash it away in a flood of neglect, and apathy. In seemingly trivial everyday tasks everypony in Equestria reinforces the bond that has made this kingdom such wondrous place. The love and respect that you display for your families, neighbors, and the realm have given Equestria deep, hardy roots that give our communities strength in times of crisis and grief.”

    Another round applause rang out, once again the Princess of Sun smiled and waited for it to wind down.

     “Over the years rulers of other kingdoms and nations have said to Luna and I that the ponies of Equestria were so lucky to have rulers like us, for in their eyes we were such a gentle, and patient rulers. However I have always disagreed with that declaration for Luna and I are the lucky ones, for nowhere in this world will you find a land filled with such caring, intelligent and joyful beings as you my wonderful Little Ponies.”

    A wave of applause rolled over the parade grounds. When it finally subsided Celestia looked at Luna then back at the crowd.

    “Now there is an entire day of wonderful and fun things to do and see, and many a delectable treat to enjoy. So Luna and I will not keep you any longer from enjoying this day. This is your day everypony.”

   Then in her true Royal Canterlot Voice she cried out.

“HAPPY SERVICE TO THE CROWN DAY!”

   An explosion of voices thundered through the park. “Huzzah Celestia! Huzzah Luna! Huzzah Equestria!” Luna step forward and addressed the ponies assembled on the parade grounds one more time.

“TROOPS DISMISSED!”

To be continued.