My own contribution to the public celebrations going on this weekend is very small .... I have erected my Union Jack outside my front door. But that in itself is a very special thing to do.
My father-in-law was a very proud and principled man. He served his time during World War II as one of the Desert Rats fighting Rommel. He wore a handle-bar moustache more associated with the Air Force; stood upright; walked with his chest out and stomach in; and was a stickler for time. "Time is time boy!!" he would say. I had a great deal of respect for him and was very sad when we lost him after a very long illness in the early 80's. He was the epitammy of Britishness and would have been as proud as anyone this weekend.
In 1953, in readiness for the young Queens coronation, my father-in-law obtained two Union Jack flags on short poles. He marked that occasion, and many other events since, by hanging his flags out of his bedroom window. One of his flags made it's way to me after his death, and I treasure it. It is old, worn, grubby and to frail to withstand washing, let alone hanging outside in all weathers. But I can't think of a better thing to help celebrate the Queens Jubilee ......
.... except a large glass of my favourite 21-year old Malt Whisky. "Cheers Ma'am".
As a point of interest, on my web site I have a brief explanation as to the origin of the Union Jack for anyone interested.
As a point of interest, on my web site I have a brief explanation as to the origin of the Union Jack for anyone interested.
I agree! The perfect tribute John! Enjoy the weekend :0)
ReplyDeleteYes, we've seen and read about it here too. As a 'yank' not sure what I'm supposed to say, except 'Cheers to the Queen'.
ReplyDeleteLiked the flag story, and believe it not I had a second cousin whose name was Dominick Sorrentino,who proudly served with the U.S. forces fighting Rommel, maybe they even met one another... one never knows, but I'd like to think so.
BJ
Great stories, John. I started a 5 year apprentice with the Admiralty in 1953 - Shipwright. The Coronation was amazing ... I never thought then that 20 years later I'd be flying her around Africa.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the holiday!
We celebrate this weekend because as you wrote her coronation was on the 2nd June, and I believe yesterday was the 2nd June :) Besides February is too cold to celebrate.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend John.
Hi Sue. I've been puzzled because the coronation was in 1953, only 59 years ago. The answer is that the Jubilee date was set to align with other major events for convenience and cost reasons, namely her official birthday (4th June) and the run up to the Olympics.
DeleteUnless the weather improves, February may have been a better choice. lol.
Have a great weekend yourself. ;-)
True, but she did acceed (sp?) to the throne in 52 hence the 60 years.
DeleteCertainly a Union Jack flag with a lot of feelings and meaning, loved the story of your father in law. And a great tribute !
ReplyDeleteA lovely story and a great tribute! It's nice to see you all loving your Queen so much, we have outburst of patriottism like that in Holland too sometimes.
ReplyDeleteYou could say "Congratulations Ma'am" I guess. Three cheers for Her Majesty!
ReplyDeleteWonderful story and a great tribute to your Queen and your father-in-law.
ReplyDeleteAll the best to you,
Joan
Wonderful way to honour both xx
ReplyDelete