God Save the Queen · Apr 21, 03:53 PM by Amberlee
Today is the 80th birthday of England’s monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. While much may be said with regard to the relevance of the monarchy in modern times, and even more might be said when it comes to Elizabeth’s seeming inability to raise children with the moral fortitude and clarity required to lead what was once the world’s great super-power, such criticisms can be said of most of the truly significant rulers of British history.
Queen Elizabeth, as a young girl, had no idea she might one day ascend the throne. The abdication of her uncle to wed a divorced commoner and the untimely death of her father brought her to rule England at a young age. She helped to see her country through the difficult years of World War II. At the tender age of eighteen she toured the battlefields of Italy and began to perform many of the official duties of Head of State. She joined the Auxiliary Territorial Services as the equivalent of a second lieutenant to show her commitment to both her people and the war effort.
Since her ascension to the throne at the age of twenty-six, Elizabeth has seen many changes both to society and the monarchy. She has weathered many storms always with a “stiff upper lip,” a mind toward her duty, and a strong sense of purpose. If for no other reason than her fifty-four years of rule, Elizabeth II will go down in history as one of the great monarchs of British history. Will her children and grandchildren find her example hard to live up to? Will they be able to follow her with the dignity and grace with which she carries the mantel of Queen? Such things remain to be seen. However, the now octogenarian should be praised for her individual contributions to the people and her country. It is a far fair number more of monarchs whose rule is hopelessly flawed and spends more time and money mired in self-indulgence than ones that care about the image and stature of their country and their people.
Good on ya, Elizabeth. Here’s to many more!
