My friends, my neighbours,

We observe a town growing stronger by the day, and it is that strength that has allowed us to keep our footing on the shores of stability, as the harsh tides of recklessness try to wash us out into the terrible black sea that lies beyond our walls. Soon the Canal Ward will be fully usable, the houses renovated, so that all citizens may be afforded a chance to live in comfort, and the docks rebuilt so our city can reap the benefits of trade. A large harvest of beetles has ensured that no citizen starves. I urge you all to share in my joy, my excitement, for a town that is growing in strength, and in a new commitment to itself.

I issue to you all a formal bow. I tip my hat to all the citizens in this settlement. Especially though, we say many words for our brave Watchmen, for the decisions made by Sheriff Azzam, and his trusted Lieutenants. We say many words for the Watch as a whole. Today, above all else, I am here to salute not the Lieutenant or the Sergeant, but the Private. The Deputy. The sentinel who walks his lonely vigil on the walls while we all rest easy in our homes.

Sitting in my office, I began to write this speech. Searching for more inspiration, I left that cut off place, and joined the people of Sanctuary in their daily routine. I came across a boy near the orphanage, not eight years old, who was playing with a piece of stone. As I watched him playing, I contemplated going up to him and speaking with him. I thought of asking him what he desired this city to become, and what he wanted to do when he came of age. As I began to walk towards him, I was struck with a realization; that no matter what he desired to do, no matter what he desired to pursue, it relied on a safe Sanctuary, guarded by men that we could trust.

These men are our loyal Watch privates and deputies. They man our gates, fight off the threats that would consume us in this darkness, they are our light. They have secured the Canal, and even now fight off the Unseelie that come in small bands to attack. These sentinels, our Watch, give no attention to the politics of if we should put a sword to the Unseelie queen and her court or not. Their duties are far above that; their duties are to defend every man, woman, and child in this city. They are the front, and often only line of defence against all threats. These privates, these deputies, they stand strong so that we may stand strong. They hold their heads up high so that we may hold our heads up high. Each day is an accomplishment, an achievement that should be congratulated.

Citizens, I ask that you remember this. When you see a private or deputy on duty, tip your own hats to his vigilance and duty. Tip your hat to the newly conscripted deputy, who may not have fought against dire threats, but will stand against them when the day comes. Tip your hats to the private who mans the gates so that we may rest easy. Tip your hats to the unspoken acts of courage each of them commits daily for all of us.

This city will prosper. We will stand tall against the threats that we face. And we will never shrink from this responsibility, our privates and deputies will never give into depression. To all in the Watch, to the privates, the deputies, the sentinels; I give you my personal thanks for your dedications. To the citizens; I urge you to stop a moment, and give thanks to those who defend us.

A fairly small crowd turned out to hear Councilor Deepingdale's speech, with most listening politely, however 'relative indifference' may sum up the response best.