The Golden Jubilee

It was 50 years ago today
that King George the sixth passed away.
Elizabeth II took the throne -
her royal heritage to own.

Though she was merely 25,
for her loyal subjects she'd strive
and diligently endeavor
to be the best monarch ever.

As we look back over her reign
Her success is evident, plain.
Though to the role she was not born
She's true to the oath she has sworn

In all of the world there are few
Like her - strong, steadfast and true-blue
To her many Subjects, et al.
She has continued to enthrall

On this, her Golden Jubilee
I hope you will all join with me
To celebrate her fifty years
To raise a glass and shout, "Three Cheers!"

God Save the Queen!! 

I dedicate my little poem to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who will celebrate 50 years on the throne on February 6, 2002. It is my fervent hope that her Golden Jubilee Year will surpass her Silver Jubilee Year of 1977 as the greatest celebration of the nation in the 21st Century. I'll be looking forward to the pageantry, the pomp, the circumstance, the ceremony, the ancient rituals, the beautiful carriages, the well turned out troops, the parades, the celebrations, the tours, the receptions, the joyous energy and seeing the unique ways that people will be showing their respect to the Queen for reaching this point in her reign.

I'm looking forward to hearing the Queen's feelings on the matter and how she will renew herself to her vows. Do you remember this favorite part of her Silver Jubilee speech? "My Lord Mayor, when I was twenty-one I pledged my life to the service of our people and I asked for God's help to make good that vow. Although that vow was made in my salad days, when I was green in judgment, I do not regret nor retract one word of it." 

In 1977 the Queen opened the Silver Jubilee Walkway and the new South Bank Jubilee Gardens. In 2002 she is expected to open Jubilee Bridge described in the "Official" Golden Jubilee website as the "first covered bridge across the Thames since the building of the original London Bridge in 1176." Here are two links to the Golden Jubilee website and the Jubilee Bridge section so you can check out what all the fuss is about:
http://www.goldenjubilee.gov.uk/content/serve.pcgi/gj/queensprog?t=s&l=e
http://www.goldenjubilee.gov.uk/content/serve.pcgi/gj/celebrate/submit?t=s&l=e

Something I find very exciting about the proposed celebrations are the garden parties planned for the Accession Day babies (as they are calling those born on February 6, 1952). They'll be two parties - one at Holyroodhouse Garden scheduled for May 25, 2001 and the other at Buckingham Palace Garden set for July 9, 2001. All and all the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh plan to host a total of 3,500 Accession Day babies at the two events. If you are eligible, I'd check out the website and get on it now. If you are eligible, we'd all love to hear how everything goes. ;-)

There is a traveling Jubilee Stamp show for those of you who are interested in the Royal Philatelic Collection, one of the largest and most valuable in the world. It will feature rare stamp firsts from the 1800's. Charles Goodwyn's, Keeper of the Royal Philatelic Collection, comments are listed on the Golden Jubilee site, but briefly he said, "This exhibition will be an opportunity for the public to see a unique selection of historic stamps, dating from the reign of Queen Victoria, the last monarch to celebrate a Golden Jubilee. The stamps and covers will vividly remind visitors that United Kingdom Overseas Territories and Commonwealth countries across the world will also be celebrating The Queen's Golden Jubilee." Nigel Fordham, Head of the Crown Agents Stamp Bureau, also had a few remarks, among them, "This is a tremendous opportunity for members of the public to see this wonderful selection from The Queen's personal stamp collection, and little known items from our archives."

There will also be a poetry competition for pupils aged from 7 to 18 throughout the UK. Winners will be presented with specially commissioned medals at a Buckingham Palace reception. This will be a great time for teachers to discuss recent history as it is hoped that the poems will highlight something about the Queen or her reign. Andrew Motion, Poet Laureate, said "We intend that the Golden Jubilee Poetry Competition will pay homage to the past, celebrate the present, and look to the future." He also mentioned that poetry is an art form that has long been used to chronicle important events such as this one. The young people will also receive the honor of having the fifty winning poems published in a booklet. A great souvenir! Too bad I'm too old and not British because I think my poem could make it in the seven-year-old category without anyone taking too much notice. ;-)

The highlight of the Jubilee year will be the weekend of Saturday, June 1st through Tuesday, June 4th. Two extra bank holidays have been granted to ensure people will have ample time to participate in the celebrations planned. The celebrations will include two concerts in Buckingham Palace Gardens - one for classical music and one for pop music. The pop concert will be followed by a firework display. There is even a national bell ringing service so that people no matter where they may be, can participate in the festivities. They'll be thanksgiving services, luncheons and what royal even would be complete without a drive down the mall and a traditional balcony appearance?

It will be an exciting time for Her Majesty and for all of us Windsor Watchers as well. Do click onto the website to get any of the details that you may need. It certainly seems like there will be something for everybody and hopefully, a great celebration for Her Majesty. She has certainly earned it.

What do you think about the plans so far for the Golden Jubilee? Are you interested in signing up on the web site to share an idea? Do let me know for this week's Speakers Corner.

All the best,