- Friday, April 19, 2024
By: Radhakrishna N S
THE Queen has praised diversity for “serving to make us stronger” during her annual Commonwealth Day speech.
The monarch’s message has stressed that global connectivity makes people aware their “choices and actions” can affect the “well-being of people and communities living far away”.
The Queen stated: “On Commonwealth occasions, it is always inspiring to be reminded of the diversity of the people and countries that make up our worldwide family. We are made aware of the many associations and influences that combine through Commonwealth connection, helping us to imagine and deliver a common future.”
She added: “Such a blend of traditions serves to make us stronger, individually and collectively, by providing the ingredients needed for social, political and economic resilience.”
The Commonwealth Day service was attended by the Queen and senior members of the Royal family on Monday (9). Prime minister Boris Johnson and the Commonwealth secretary-general Baroness Scotland also attended the service in Westminster Abbey.
Ministers for defence people and veterans Johnny Mercer MP paid tribute to the “extraordinary service and extraordinary sacrifice” of Commonwealth soldiers as he attended the Commonwealth commemoration service at the Memorial Gates in central London on March 9.
Minister pays tribute to soldiers
This year marks 75 years since VJ Day (Victory over Japan), the day on which Imperial Japan surrendered in Second World War, and the contribution made by Commonwealth Forces in the Far East. Representatives from embassies, High Commissions and the UK military laid wreaths at the memorial on Constitution Hill near Hyde Park.
These gates were erected to honour the five million men and women from the Indian subcontinent, Africa and the Caribbean who volunteered to serve with the Armed Forces during both wars.
