7 November 2013 XXXVI
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The 30th Anniversary of the War with East Germany On 2 November 2013 XXXVI the Republic of Molossia celebrated the 30th anniversary of its War with East Germany. For 30 years now, Molossia has been at war with the now-defunct East Bloc stalwart, home to Trabis, the Stasi and the Berlin Wall. War was declared on 2 November 1983 VII for reasons that are rather obscure, as was the long forgotten war declaration, discovered over fours years ago in the dusty Molossian archives. The end of East Germany, which took place on 3 October 1990, should have also marked the end of the Molossian war with that nation. However, East Germany lives on in an unlikely place, tiny Ernst Thälmann Island (Cayo Ernesto Thaelmann), off the coast of Cuba. The uninhabited island was given by Fidel Castro as a gift to East Germany in 1972 during a state visit to that country. The island was renamed in honor of German Communist politician Ernst Thälmann, who was the leader of the Communist Party of Germany (KPD) during much of the Weimar Republic and was later imprisoned and murdered during the Nazi regime. In August 1972, the East German ambassador to Cuba erected a bust of Ernst Thälmann on communist Germany’s one and only foothold in the tropics. The island wasn’t mentioned in the treaty unifying both Germanys, which makes it arguably the last remaining piece of East German territory. Thus, East Germany lives on, on Ernst Thälmann Island. As the island is uninhabited, there is no one with whom to negotiate a peace treaty. Thus the war lives on as well, with no end in sight. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the War, a party was held in Government House on the anniversary day. Along with displaying the East German flag and a piece of the Berlin Wall, a German-themed dinner was served. The meal consisted of sauerbraten, wienerschnitzel, spätzle, kartoffelpüree, brot, gemischte salat and red velvet cupcakes, because the East was red. During dinner, His Excellency, The President spoke about the origins of the War with East Germany to an attentive table-side audience. A fine celebration was had by all. In the meantime, the War goes on, and our nation must continue to be ever vigilant against the East German threat! |
  German Repast on the 30th Anniversary |
 Laika Day 3 November 2013 XXXI marked the seventh annual Laika Day celebration in Molossia. Laika Day was established by His Excellency, The President in 2007 XXX, to recognize our canine family here in Molossia. Our dogs are faithful companions and friends, as well as frequent sources of entertainment. The President felt that they should have their own holiday, to recognize the significant presence they have in our lives. Laika Day is named for the Soviet Space Dog, Laika, who became the first recorded animal to orbit the earth. Laika, whose real name was Kudryavka, rocketed skyward on the Soviet spacecraft Sputnik 2, on 3 November 1957, sixty-three years ago. She perished in space due to overheating after just a few hours. Laika represents the very essence of dogs, loyal, trusting and obedient. These qualities are what make dogs such a large part of human life, and recognition of this is long overdue. The seventh annual Laika Day began with the traditional trip to Misfits Flats, a wide open playa, far from cars and free from any dangers - or people. The dogs, Molly, Duncan and Annie could run free with few restrictions, and did so for about an hour. Afterward, the adventurers returned to the Molossian Home Territories, for a couple of well-deserved Laika Day treats. Thus ended Laika Day and a fine time was had by all! |
 The Dogs Playing  Off to See Things |
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Guy Fawkes Celebration On 5 November 2013 XXXVI, Molossians celebrated our third annual Guy Fawkes Night. Guy Fawkes Night, or Bonfire Night, is a popular event in Great Britain, dating back to the foiled Gunpowder Plot of 5 November 1605 when Guy Fawkes and 13 of his cohorts conspired to blow up Parliament and King James I of England. After the plot was uncovered and the conspirators executed, the 5th of November became an official holiday in Great Britain, adopted likewise three years ago in Molossia, in recognition of our English roots. A day prior to the holiday, Molossian citizens gathered in Government House and created their own Guys, to burn in effigy. That done, they traveled to nearby Dayton State Park and built a sizable bonfire, joined by the Tapley Family, friends of Molossia. Dinner was banger wraps and mini cottage pies, followed by hot apple cider and apples dipped in caramel. Then the Guy Fawkes rhyme was recited by the company, after which the Guys were committed to the bonfire, one by one, the President's going in first. The evening was concluded with gentle revelry around the fire until it became coals and the celebrants returned to Molossia. A fine time was had by all and we all look forward to next year's Guy Fawkes Night!
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 Gathered Around the Bonfire, Guys Ready to Go  Ready to Burn |
