Ruminations

Blog dedicated primarily to randomly selected news items; comments reflecting personal perceptions

Tuesday, July 06, 2010

One Extended Family

Canadians have welcomed their Royal Head of State to the country on yet another trip that solidifies for those Canadians who warmly regard the country's heritage and traditions based on its colonial British connections to be a vital one, well worth honouring and maintaining. Queen Elizabeth II's grace under adversity, her kind regard for the well-being of people everywhere, her gentle manner and attention to duty have won her admiration around the world.

But to Canadians she always has been and currently represents the sovereign presence in a country which, while itself sovereign, remains indebted to its historical status as a proud member of the British Empire. The British Empire itself is now history, a product of the decline of imperialism and colonialism, where former colonies were officially decolonized to become sovereign and independent states. But the historical ties remain, and proudly so.

All were left with an invaluable tradition of British values; the democratic ideal, dedication to human rights, good governance, jurisprudence, liberty and egalitarianism. While the Empire has vanished into the annals of history in its place rose a coalition of independent states which were previously part of the British Empire, now calling themselves the Commonwealth of Nations, with 52 of the original member-states of British colonialism.

The Commonwealth of Nations celebrates its common past, and looks at the future with an emphasis on their collective striving toward the achievement of multilateralism and free trade; above all the struggle to achieve world peace. This intergovernmental organization while representing nations with varied cultures and backgrounds, does share a common goal, spearheaded by their past connection to Britain.

Queen Elizabeth has honoured status wherever the Commonwealth countries exist, and no less so in Canada, a favoured step-child. Her patrician gregariousness endears her to Commonwealth populations everywhere, irrespective of grumblings to the contrary that erupt invariably with those who prefer to put history behind them and look toward an tradition-unencumbered present. She looks fondly at Commonwealth countries and they look back with equal fondness.

It still represents a celebratory occasion when a member of the Royal Family visits, all the more so when the Queen herself mounts a trip to re-familiarize herself with her vast dominion, and re-acquaint a respecting public with her smiling presence. It is an occasion when the grand notices the ordinary. The crowds that turned out irrespective of weather and personal convenience, travelling great distances to catch a glimpse of the reigning Monarch put the proof to the test of our historical links.

Although Canada is now a true and colourful blend of people hailing from everywhere in the world - its continents and nations representing customs and traditions far from that of the original British Empire - the traditions that the great original stock of British-origin-settlers cherished are still respected and honoured, none more so than the respect and honour proffered to Queen Elizabeth, still the Canadian Head of State.

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