LITTLE CURRENT—The Sergeant Charles Golden Silver Star Veterans Rifle Team assembled on the lawn in front of Manitoulin Centennial Manor on Saturday, June 4 to an audience of residents for a special salute in honour of Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee—celebrating her majesty’s 70 years on the throne, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.
Master of ceremonies for the event was Colin Pick, ably assisted by bugler Roy Eaton and firing team marshal Wayne Golden.
Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Carol Hughes was in attendance, accompanied by her intern Olha Sotska, a student from Ukraine who has been doing her placement with Ms. Hughes. The MP pinned each of the veterans in the fire team with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Lapel pin, including Manor resident John Parker, a British veteran late of Gore Bay who served in the Warwickshire Regiment.
Ms. Sotska addressed the assembly, thanking Canada for the assistance being provided to her homeland and for all of the efforts of veterans on behalf of peace and security in the world.
The platinum jubilee honours Canada’s queen for her seven decades of selfless service while on the throne, but her majesty’s dedication to public service extended well back of her ascension to the throne—she served as a driver during the Second World War, among other volunteer activities as a young princess.
Queen Elizabeth has largely been credited with maintaining the relevance of the Crown in the 20th and 21st centuries through her seven decades of service, polling high above the rest of the British aristocracy in the hearts and minds of her subjects.
“Today, across Ontario, Canada and our Commonwealth, people are commemorating a truly historic anniversary—Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee: 70 years of Her Majesty’s service and dedication,” said The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario in her statement on the jubilee. “This platinum jubilee pays tribute to a person whose life has been defined by service. Her Majesty’s long reign reminds us that she has lived through history. Indeed, she has served through times of extraordinary trial and change, progress, and difficulty. She has been steadfast in duty, always with kindness and hope.
“How timely is this moment of reflection. Over the past many months, the COVID-19 pandemic has, without question, tested Ontarians. We too, have been called upon to demonstrate resolve, character, and remarkable resilience.
“As we recognize the continuity of Her Majesty’s presence over seven decades, may it cause us to reflect on who we are and whom we aspire to be. What forces have brought people together to make the world a better place—to advance equality, science, diplomacy and peace? What has held us back?
“Throughout 2022, as we join communities large and small to celebrate the platinum jubilee, let us be inspired by that indomitable spirit, unwavering courage, and devotion to others that has always characterized Canada’s Queen. In the coming months, my office will be initiating events and opportunities for Ontarians to come together, whether in person or virtually. I invite you to watch our website, www.lgontario.ca, for more information. Dieu Sauve la Reine! God save the Queen!”
Following the Prayer of Remembrance recited by Mr. Eaton, a moment of silence, reveille and the Last Post, came the firing of three volleys by the seven-member fire team and the singing of O Canada and God Save the Queen to wrap up the proceedings.
The event was livestreamed and is available on The Expositor Facebook page.
