https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2klmuggOElE
"I
am speaking to you at what I know is an increasingly challenging time. A time
of disruption in the life of our country: a disruption that has brought grief
to some, financial difficulties to many, and enormous changes to the daily
lives of us all.
"I
want to thank everyone on the NHS (National Health Service) front line, as well
as care workers and those carrying out essential roles, who selflessly continue
their day-to-day duties outside the home in support of us all. I am sure the
nation will join me in assuring you that what you do is appreciated and every
hour of your hard work brings us closer to a return to more normal times.
"I
also want to thank those of you who are staying at home, thereby helping to
protect the vulnerable and sparing many families the pain already felt by those
who have lost loved ones. Together we are tackling this disease, and I want to
reassure you that if we remain united and resolute, then we will overcome it.
"I
hope in the years to come everyone will be able to take pride in how they
responded to this challenge. And those who come after us will say the Britons
of this generation were as strong as any. That the attributes of
self-discipline, of quiet good-humoured resolve and of fellow-feeling still
characterise this country. The pride in who we are is not a part of our past,
it defines our present and our future.
"The
moments when the United Kingdom has come together to applaud its care and
essential workers will be remembered as an expression of our national spirit;
and its symbol will be the rainbows drawn by children.
"Across
the Commonwealth and around the world, we have seen heart-warming stories of
people coming together to help others, be it through delivering food parcels
and medicines, checking on neighbours, or converting businesses to help the
relief effort.
"And
though self-isolating may at times be hard, many people of all faiths, and of
none, are discovering that it presents an opportunity to slow down, pause and
reflect, in prayer or meditation.
"It
reminds me of the very first broadcast I made, in 1940, helped by my sister.
We, as children, spoke from here at Windsor to children who had been evacuated
from their homes and sent away for their own safety. Today, once again, many
will feel a painful sense of separation from their loved ones. But now, as
then, we know, deep down, that it is the right thing to do. While we have faced
challenges before, this one is different. This time we join with all nations
across the globe in a common endeavour, using the great advances of science and
our instinctive compassion to heal. We will succeed - and that success will
belong to every one of us.
"We
should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days
will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families
again; we will meet again.
"But for now, I send my thanks and warmest good wishes to you
all."
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