Kingdom of Fergus Celebrates Anniversary

(Kingdom of Fergus News Service)-The Kingdom of Fergus celebrates the first anniversary of its founding on February 25, 2008. (This is also the birth date of transgendered monarch Benjamin I/Benelea I.) Surrounded by the city of Hutchinson, Kansas in the United States of America, its founder and monarch was inspired to establish the kingdom as a result of graduate studies at Wichita State University in connection with micropatrology. The monarch is currently writing a master's thesis on this subject.

Historical highlights of the tiny kingdom's first year include:

*On March 31, the Kingdom annexed territory on the Arkansas River, designating it as the Queen's Tryst Protectorate. The protecorate's most prominent landmark was the legendary "Passion Tree" (also known informally as "Bennie's Tree"). The Passion Tree was destroyed during a recent ice storm. Queen's Tryst Protectorate is the only territory on which Fergusian military forces have ever been deployed. On several occasions during 2008, Queen Benelea repelled instruders from the protectorate.

*The establishment of a joint tenancy agreement between the monarch and Queen Mother Alberta, ensuring the control of the royal family over the Kingdom in perpetuity, was concluded. The agreement is celebrated as the first Fergusian national holiday on April 19.

*Owing in part to economic constraints, the Kingdom's issuance of government instruments has been very limited. To date, a Fergusian flag has been designed and produced and flies proudly over the royal palace. A prototype of the basic Fergusian monetary unit, the Davelar, has also been designed, but is not currently in circulation. The government hopes to issue passports, stamps, currency, and specie this year.

*On April 24, the monarch issued a dual citizenship proclamation. Under this arrangement, the Fergusian head of state filed with the Federal Election Commission as the first official transgendered U.S. presidential candidate. In the persona of Bennie Lee "Ben" Ferguson, the monarch continues to campaign for this office. (More information is to be found at: www.politicalgateway.ferg.com .)

*The Kingdom of Fergus has come to enjoy a cordial relationship with three other micronations in particular, those being the Gay and Lesbian Kingdom of Cato Island, the Republic of Molossia, and the Dominion of British West Florida. During 2008, the Fergusian monarch engaged in extensive correspondence with the heads of state and government officials of these nations, including GLK administrator Jason Alexander, His Excellency President Kevin Baugh of Molossia, and the Marquess of Mobile. Additionally, the monarch's first face-to-face meeting with another micronationalist head of state occurred in November during a brief meeting with President Eli Avivi of Akhzivland as part of a royal tour of the Middle East and Europe.

*A staunch supporter of the American military, the Fergusian monarch was photographed in September inspecting Bradley fighting vehicles as a guest of the Kansas National Guard.

The Fergusian monarch expresses gratitude to all of those who have shown interest in and supported the Kingdom during its inaugural year. Much has yet to be accomplished, but Fergusians quote with pride their national motto "Dulcius Ex Asperis" ("Sweeter After Difficulties") and look forward to the Kingdom's second year.

DBWF - Vikesland Teleconference Held

On Sunday March 23rd (Easter Sunday) HSH, Prince Christopher I of Vikesland had a teleconference with H.E. Bo Register, HM's Governor-General in and for the Dominion of British West Florida.

Many topics from the weather to crime to Government laws were spoken about while the conference was held. Shared experiences were discussed, as well as shared hopes for their respective peoples. Personal Liberties were at the core of many of the items of discussion.

HSH Prince Christopher I commented aftwards that it was "A first of many teleconferences to help solidify our friendship between our two nations."

The Governor-General echoed the sentiment stating that "In today's 'democracy by force' world, the Monarchies must work together for peace and stability. The Principality of Vikesland, is another example of constitutional monarchy, a very effective government, and a protector of the Liberty of the People"

Vikesland - Molossia Summit Announced

On March 18, President Kevin Baugh of the Republic of Molossia, a micronation located in Nevada, announced that his country would hold its first ever international summit this June.

Grand Prince Christopher I and Princess Erin of the Principality of Vikesland, another micronation located in Canada, will be attending.

Besides the meeting itself, which is scheduled to take place in Molossia's capital city, Espera, President Baugh is to give them a tour of his country as well as the surrounding areas. He is looking forward to the event and hopes that it may "open the way to future visits between Molossia and the other small nations of the world."

The Republic of Molossia and Principality of Vikesland are not recognized by any major countries or international organizations. However, both are by other micronations.

Maundy Thursday at Armagh Cathedral

History was made today when Her Majesty The Queen, accompanied by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh attended the Royal Maundy Service in St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, Armagh. This is the first occasion that the annual service has been held in Northern Ireland. Over 400 people made up the congregation and saw Her Majesty distribute Maundy money to 82 men and 82 women representing the number of years of the Sovereign’s life. The main churches in Northern Ireland selected the recipients, all retired pensioners from across the community.

The history of the Maundy Service can be traced back to the 12th Century and there are continued records of the distribution having been made on Maundy Thursday from the reign of King Edward the First. During the service Her Majesty presented each man and woman with a red and white purse, traditionally the red purse contains an allowance for clothing and provisions and the white purse holds silver Maundy coins as many pence as the Sovereign has years of age.

The Very Rev Patrick Rooke, Dean of Armagh led the prayers. The first lesson John 13 verses 1-15 was read by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh and Cardinal Sean Brady, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Armagh read the second lesson, St Matthew’s 25 verses 31-46. The service was sung by the choir of St Patrick’s Cathedral Armagh and the choir of Her Majesty’s Chapels Royal.

Following the service Her Majesty walked the short distance to the Deanery and attended a reception hosted by the Lord Chamberlain’s office for those taking part in the planning and delivery of the Royal Maundy Service. Later Her Majesty was guest of honour at a lunch in the Robinson library in the Deanery hosted by the Most Rev Dr Alan Harper OBE, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland. The historic visit by Her Majesty The Queen to the City of Armagh brought to a close three days of engagements in Northern Ireland.

Source: The Northern Ireland Office: http://www.nio.gov.uk/

Contributer: David John Drew/Poet Laureate DBWF