Queen celebrates Diamond Jubilee
Posted Feb 9, 2012 By Jessica Cunha
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EMC news -Sixty years ago today, Queen Elizabeth II took to the throne after the death of her father, King George VI.
Ottawa West EMC, File
Queen Elizabeth II visits Ottawa during in May of 2010 during the Queen's 22nd visit to Canada. Celebrations began on Monday, Feb. 6, to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, a reign matched only once before, when Queen Victoria reigned for 63 years and seven months.
Celebrations began on Monday, Feb. 6, to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, a reign matched only once before, when Queen Victoria reigned for 63 years and seven months.
"In this special year, as I dedicate myself anew to your service, I hope we will all be reminded of the power of togetherness and the convening strength of family, friendship and good neighbourliness, examples of which I have been fortunate to see throughout my reign," the Queen wrote in an open letter. "I hope also that this jubilee year will be a time to give thanks for the great advances that have been made since 1952 and to look forward to the future with clear head and warm heart as we join together in our celebrations."
Canada Post released the official Diamond Jubilee stamp on Jan. 16.
The stamp features a photograph of the Queen in royal robes and tiara, waving from a window of a carriage. The same day, the organization also released as the first of six mini-panes of four stamps -one for each 10-year period -as part of a keepsake folder. More will be issued throughout the first six months of 2012.
Events celebrating her 60-year reign will continue
throughout the year. London, England will mark the anniversary of her coronation in June.
The Queen has toured Canada 22 times since her coronation, most recently in 2010.
"The Queen has been with us in celebration of who and what we are as a proud confident people," said Prime Minister Stephen Harper in a press release. "The Queen has dedicated her entire life to the service of others and has always held this country and all Canadians in the deepest of pride and affection."
The Queen was present for such national events as the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway, Expo '67, the Montreal Olympics in 1976, the bicentennial of Ontario, the 125th anniversary of Confederation and the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Navy.
The federal government launched a photographic display highlighting the Queen's visits to Canada during her six-decade reign on Feb. 6 at the Library of Parliament.
"Through six decades of social change, technological revolution and economic transformation, Her Majesty has shown an extraordinary generosity of spirit," Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty said in a statement.
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will visit the province in May to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
"It will be the highlight of Ontario's Diamond Jubilee celebrations," said McGuinty.
For a list of national events, visit www.canada.gc.ca.
jessica.cunha@metroland.com
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