Declaration of a New Order

"So this is how liberty dies&mdash;with thunderous applause."

- Padmé Amidala

The Declaration of a New Order was a proclamation made by Supreme Chancellor Palpatine in 19 BBY, first as an address to an Extraordinary Session of the Galactic Senate and then to the general populace. In it, he proclaimed himself Emperor of the Galaxy, legalized the extermination of the Jedi Order, and outlined his vision of transforming the thenceforth-abolished Galactic Republic into his new Galactic Empire. "Do not doubt that a Galaxy can be conquered with words, a Republic overthrown, and an Empire created."

- Kreia

The anniversary of the Declaration's issue was celebrated as Empire Day.

Full text
''"Citizens of the civilized Galaxy, on this day we mark a transition. For a thousand years, the Republic stood as the crowning achievement of civilized beings. But there were those who would set us against one another, and we took up arms to defend our way of life against the Separatists. In so doing, we never suspected that the greatest threat came from within.

''The Jedi, and some within our own Senate, had conspired to create the shadow of Separatism using one of their own as the enemy's leader. They had hoped to grind the Republic into ruin. But the hatred in their hearts could not be hidden forever. At last, there came a day when our enemies showed their true natures.

''The Jedi hoped to unleash their destructive power against the Republic by assassinating the head of government and usurping control of the clone army. But the aims of would-be tyrants were valiantly opposed by those without elitist, dangerous powers. Our loyal clone troopers contained the insurrection within the Jedi Temple and quelled uprisings on a thousand worlds.

''The remaining Jedi will be hunted down and defeated. Any collaborators will suffer the same fate. These have been trying times, but we have passed the test. The attempt on my life has left me scarred and deformed, but I assure you my resolve has never been stronger. The war is over. The Separatists have been defeated, and the Jedi rebellion has been foiled. We stand on the threshold of a new beginning. In order to ensure our security and continuing stability, the Republic will be reorganized into the first Galactic Empire, for a safe and secure society, which I assure you will last for ten thousand years. An Empire that will continue to be ruled by this august body and a sovereign ruler chosen for life. An Empire ruled by the majority, ruled by a new constitution.

''By bringing the entire Galaxy under one law, one language, and the enlightened guidance of one individual, the corruption that plagued the Republic in its later years will never take root. Regional governors will eliminate the bureaucracy that allowed the Separatist movement to grow unchecked. A strong and growing military will ensure the rule of law.

''Under the Empire's New Order, our most cherished beliefs will be safeguarded. We will defend our ideals by force of arms. We will give no ground to our enemies and will stand together against attacks from within or without. Let the enemies of the Empire take heed: those who challenge Imperial resolve will be crushed.

''We have taken on a task that will be difficult, but the people of the Empire are ready for the challenge. Because of our efforts, the galaxy has traded war for peace and anarchy for stability. Billions of beings now look forward to a secure future. The Empire will grow as more planets feel the call, from the Rim to the wilds of unknown space.

''Imperial citizens must do their part. Join our grand star fleet. Become the eyes of the Empire by reporting suspected insurrectionists. Travel to the corners of the Galaxy to spread the principles of the New Order to barbarians. Build monuments and technical wonders that will speak of our glory for generations to come.

''The clone troopers, now proudly wearing the name of Imperial stormtroopers, have tackled the dangerous work of fighting out enemies on the front lines. Many have died in their devotion to the Empire. Imperial citizens would do well to remember their example.

''The New Order of peace has triumphed over the shadowy secrecy of shameful magicians. The direction of our course is clear. I will lead the Empire to glories beyond imagining.

''We have been tested, but we have emerged stronger. We move forward as one people: the Imperial citizens of the first Galactic Empire. We will prevail. Ten thousand years of peace begins today."''

Behind the scenes
Some elements of this text contradict the text found the in the Revenge of the Sith novelization, such as the "Safety, security, justice and peace!" chant. The author of the Insider article admitted that he had forgotten to check the novelization before writing his article.

It should be noted, however, that the novelization text differs from what is seen in the film. It goes as follows:

"This has been the most trying of times, but we have passed  the test. The war is over!

The Separatists have been utterly defeated,  and  the  Republic  will stand. United! United and free!

The Jedi Rebellion was our final test&mdash;it was the  last  gasp  of  the forces of darkness! Now we have left that darkness behind us forever, and a new day has begun! It is morning in the Republic!

Never again will we be divided! Never again will sector turn  against sector, planet turn against planet, sibling turn against sibling. We are one nation, indivisible!

To ensure that we will always stand together,  that  we  will  always speak with a single voice and act with a  single  hand,  the  Republic  must change. We must evolve. We must grow. We have become an empire in fact; let us become an Empire in name as well! We are the first Galactic Empire!

We are an Empire that will continue to be ruled by this august body! We are  an  Empire  that  will  never  return  to  the political maneuvering and corruption that have wounded us so deeply; we  are an Empire that will be directed by a single sovereign, chosen for life!

We are an Empire ruled by the majority! An Empire  ruled  by  a  new Constitution! An Empire of laws, not of politicians! An Empire  devoted  to the preservation of a just society. Of a safe and secure society! We are an Empire that will stand ten thousand years!

We will celebrate the anniversary of this day as Empire Day. For the sake of our children. For our children's children! For the next ten thousand years! Safety! Security! Justice and peace!

Say it  with  me! Safety, Security,  Justice,  and  Peace! Safety, Security, Justice, and Peace!"''

Appearances

 * Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
 * Republic HoloNet News Special Inaugural Edition 16:5:24 in Star Wars Insider 84