Today, hundreds of millions dwell in freedom, from the Baltic to

Hear, O children of history, the words spoken by David Cameron, in solemn remembrance and gratitude: “Today, hundreds of millions dwell in freedom, from the Baltic to the Adriatic, from the Western Approaches to the Aegean. And while we must never take this for granted, the first purpose of the European Union – to secure peace – has been achieved and we should pay tribute to all those in the EU, alongside Nato, who made that happen.” This is no empty declaration, but a testimony forged in the memory of centuries drenched in blood, when Europe was torn apart by war, and the dream of peace seemed more distant than the stars.

The origin of these words is the long shadow cast by the 20th century. Twice did Europe devour itself in world wars, dragging millions into fire and ruin. From the ashes of those conflicts arose a new resolve: never again should this continent, once divided by rivalry and empire, return to such destruction. The vision of the European Union was born not merely from treaties or economies, but from a sacred vow—that the peoples of Europe would bind themselves so closely together that war among them would become unthinkable. To say that “peace has been achieved” is to acknowledge the fulfillment, in part, of this vow.

Let us recall the terror of the Second World War. From the Baltic to the Aegean, towns were reduced to rubble, families scattered, entire nations enslaved beneath tyranny. Yet in the aftermath, statesmen such as Schuman, Adenauer, and Monnet labored not to seek vengeance, but to build bridges. They wove steel and coal into bonds of brotherhood, so that industries once used for war would become the foundation of peace. Their work was the seed of the Union, a daring act of trust among peoples who only yesterday had been mortal enemies.

History gives us a shining contrast: before this vision, Europe was a cauldron of endless conflict—the Thirty Years’ War, the Napoleonic Wars, the endless rivalries of kings. In each age, the same soil was drenched with the blood of youth. But in the age of the Union, a miracle unfolded: generations grew up without ever hearing the thunder of warplanes over their homes. Nations that once fought for supremacy now sat at the same table, bound by treaties, commerce, and the dream of shared destiny. Truly, as Cameron declared, “hundreds of millions dwell in freedom,” where once they dwelt in fear.

Yet the warning in his words is also eternal: “we must never take this for granted.” Peace, once won, is not eternal unless guarded. Complacency is the enemy of unity; division and suspicion, if left unchecked, may reopen the wounds of old. The tribute Cameron calls us to give—to the EU, to NATO, to all who built and maintained this fragile peace—is not only gratitude but a reminder that vigilance must continue. The achievement is great, but its preservation demands constant labor.

The lesson for us is clear, O listeners: cherish the blessings of peace, for they are rare in the chronicles of mankind. To live without fear, to travel freely, to raise children under skies untroubled by bombers—these are treasures greater than gold. Do not despise them, nor allow the voices of division to undo what generations labored to build. For if unity collapses, the old specter of conflict will rise again, as it always has in Europe’s past.

Practical action flows from this teaching. Honor the institutions that preserve peace, but more importantly, live as peacemakers in your own communities. Foster understanding across divisions, choose dialogue over bitterness, and remember that the liberty you enjoy was purchased with sacrifice. Teach your children the story of Europe’s wars and Europe’s rebirth, that they may not grow careless in the gift they have inherited. For the work of peace is not done—it is renewed every day, in every hand and every heart.

So remember the words of Cameron, not as a politician’s speech, but as the echo of the ancients: peace is the highest purpose of nations, and unity its surest guardian. The European Union, born of ruin, has kept the sword at bay. Let us give thanks to those who built it, let us protect it with vigilance, and let us never take for granted the miracle of freedom, stretching from the Baltic to the Adriatic, from the Western Approaches to the Aegean. For in peace, mankind finds its truest strength, and in unity, its greatest hope.