A year has passed, an era marked by remarkable accomplishments and a bright future ahead, led by a steadfast king with a proud legacy. At his side stands a devoted son, supported by a capable and resilient people. Together, we remember our founder, who united us under the banner “There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God”, guiding us to confront challenges with sincerity of purpose and strength of will.
We aspire to peace and practice harmony. We pay little heed to the words of detractors, for we continue firmly along the path of righteousness. Our deeds speak for themselves: we have worked to unite Muslims and to secure international recognition of the State of Palestine. We have stood by our brothers in faith with generous support of lasting impact, while also extending kindness to humanity at large through noble acts of giving.
The Saudi citizen, meanwhile, embodies honor and generosity. With firm faith and gracious character, he contributes wholeheartedly to building our shared future, with strong hands, proud spirits, and unwavering determination. In this, we remain guided by the words of the late King Abdulaziz:
“Talent without care from its people is like a small plant without nurture or water. Neither religion nor reason accepts neglect or disregard. Our duty, therefore, is to tend to our planting so that its trunk grows firm and its branches spread shade under which we may rest, by God’s will, for a future we desperately need in this age of creativity, talent, and innovation, all in service of faith and homeland.”
Successive kings have embodied this vision, launching a scientific renaissance unmatched in many nations. They did not stop there: they sent our sons and daughters to the finest universities across the globe, equipping them with the most advanced knowledge. They returned distinguished and ready to contribute to the building of the homeland.
King Salman, may God protect him, expressed it best: “Our National Day expresses pride in the homeland’s glories, and in its standing and unity among nations - the very foundation upon which this towering edifice was built.”
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman added: “Our first and greatest wealth, greater than any other, is an ambitious people, most of them youth, who are the pride of our nation and the guarantee of its future, with God’s help.”
On this day, we also remember the sixty horsemen who rode with King Abdulaziz to liberate Riyadh. Without their faith in God and their strong will, they would not have risked their lives. They embody the words of God: “How many a small group has overcome a mighty host by God’s permission, and God is with the steadfast.”
Generations after them sacrificed what was most precious to consolidate the unity and advancement of the holiest land on earth, the place of the first house of worship, blessed and made a guidance for all; the birthplace of Muhammad Ibn Abdullah, a mercy to the worlds; and the land where divine revelation descended, a light for humanity.
On this occasion, we must thank God for the blessings he has bestowed upon us: wise leadership, a faithful society, a secure homeland, prosperity, and a promising future.
We pray: O God, support Your servant, Salman bin Abdulaziz, and grant him strength in serving Your religion. Grant success to Mohammed bin Salman to guide us on Your straight path.
Today, we celebrate our wise leadership, and we look forward with hope to the years to come.
