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All of my life there has always been Queen Elizabeth II. I was born
in 1955. Her coronation was June 2, 1953.
During the 1960s, my early
years into teens, I lived in Detroit where I listened to CKLW radio station originating in Windsor
Ontario. I watched tv stations which came out of Canada. There were many
stories about her and her family. During my younger years she became more
recognizable to me than American Presidents.
Queen Elizabeth II has
served as Head of State for Great Britain over the course of thirteen American
Presidents.
Often spoken of with the title “Defender of The Faith”, Elizabeth
is also the formal head of the Anglican Church.
While many people think that the British Monarchy is obsolete in contemporary
times, I think that longevity of service as Head of State and Head of Church provides
for and supports the national identity, current and historical.
I would not advocate for such an arrangement in the United States,
but this arrangement for Great Britain enables them to “know themselves” beyond
transient political fixation driven by political party messaging and media
headlines.
Queen Elizabeth II has served the Crown and her people with a
dedication and sincerity that I describe as admirable.
God
save our gracious Queen!
Long live our noble Queen!
God save the Queen!
Send her victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us,
God save the Queen.
Thy
choicest gifts in store
On her be pleased to pour,
Long may she reign.
May she defend our laws,
And ever give us cause,
To sing with heart and voice,
God save the Queen.
