The long jubilee weekend to many was a time of rest and respite; who doesn’t like time off, especially when the sun makes a rare foray from behind its usual cloud cover?
What it was to me, and I know to millions of people across Scotland, and thousands across Falkirk, was a celebration of 70 years of service from HM the Queen.
What a 70 years. When the Queen was crowned, Winston Churchill was Prime Minister. Think about how much our country has changed over that time, what crises have risen, how society has altered, shifted, moved from the end of the industrial era to the age of Information.
No matter what the change or the occasion, our Queen has been there as a leading light of our nation. She has been throughout this time a person we look up to for inspiration and guidance, an incomparable beacon of dignity in public service.
For never forget that she is a public servant. Long gone are the days of tyrants and warlords, today’s Monarchy fits exactly in modern Britain as a warm recollection of our history and traditions, while also being the world’s best advertisement for the United Kingdom. I do not exaggerate; even in the Republic of Ireland a recent poll put the Queen’s popularity above any of their current politicians.
Although the Queen has so recently suffered a great personal tragedy, the loss of her husband of 73 years Prince Philip, she has never wavered from her commitment to our country. The “Keep Calm and Carry On” napkins, mugs, and posters sold from the tat vendors around Westminster must be inspired by her will and fortitude.
I was delighted to see the events in Falkirk District to celebrate the Queen and her service. From Polmont to Shieldhill to Grangemouth people of all ages rallied round cake and tea, a coming together you can only ever see in Britain.
Although the bunting is now down and the cucumber and cress resigned to memory; our Queen continues to service- and long may she reign over us!
My Falkirk Herald column, 16/06/2022