Her Late Majesty’s lifelong service

The passing of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has affected each of us in different ways. Yet there is a collective sense of loss that ties us all together. As Canada observed a national Day of Mourning this past Monday, we joined the world in watching the Queen laid to rest. May she rest in eternal peace.

It was an honour to speak during the special session of the House of Commons last Friday and express condolences and provide a tribute on behalf of the people of Flamborough-Glanbrook.

A book of condolence remains in my constituency office for another week. It is filled with tributes from people throughout Flamborough-Glanbrook – many added their words at the Binbrook Fair last weekend. If you wish to sign it, our constituency office is located at 81 Highway #5 West, just west of Clappison’s Corners.

The reason for the outpouring of emotion at Her Majesty’s passing is that she was so loved by people the world over and she was a constant through wars, societal change, pandemics and more. Her strength was a touchstone reassuring us everything would be okay. In that sense, she had a special charm, a special touch.

At a young age she pledged, “my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service.” She lived those words to the end and that is her greatest achievement. Seventy years of life-long service and never a faux pas. It’s remarkable.

Her annual Christmas Message was a tradition in many Canadian households. Always full of hope and inspiration. People felt a connection to her that transcended the monarchy. In a world that could be surreal, she was authentic and endearing.

Her Diamond Jubilee, celebrating 60 years on the Throne in 2012, featured the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medals. In the spirit of service, duty and caring that embodied her, those medals were awarded not to celebrities, corporate titans or self-aggrandizing elites, but to leaders of local charities, children with unique projects to help others and other ordinary people with extraordinary achievements. How appropriate and refreshing!

As we mourn her passing, let us redouble our efforts to serve others and have an optimistic outlook the way Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II showed us.