A special medal ceremony was held today to mark the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s reign and to launch a year of Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
His Honour Col. (Ret’d) the Honourable Donald S. Ethell and Her Honour Linda Ethell welcomed 21 outstanding Albertans to Government House for the Diamond Jubilee Medal ceremony. The medal, which is a national honour, recognizes citizens of all ages and walks of life who have made significant contributions to their communities.
“Queen Elizabeth has been a part of the fabric of Canadian life since she ascended to the throne on February 6, 1952, said Lieutenant Governor Ethell. “Her Majesty has been a model of dignity, grace and service above self, linking Canadians with the heritage and traditions that built our great nation and encouraging us to constantly strive for an even stronger future. The Diamond Jubilee medals and this special year of celebration offer an opportunity for Albertans and all Canadians to honour Her Majesty and to reflect on the importance of the Crown in Canada.”
The Honourable Alison Redford, Premier of Alberta was the first to receive a medal at the province’s inaugural ceremony, followed by distinguished representatives of the judiciary, First Nations and the Canadian Forces as well as community and youth leaders. A list of recipients is attached. Diamond Jubilee medals will be presented at ceremonies across the province throughout 2012-13, hosted by the Lieutenant Governor and other dignitaries, public bodies and organizations taking part in the program.
Alberta also participated today in a cross-Canada series of sunrise ceremonies to raise the Queen’s Canadian Flag atop provincial legislature buildings from coast to coast. The flags will be lowered at sunset and kept as a memento of the Diamond Jubilee year.
Upcoming events to mark the year will include garden parties at the Legislature in Edmonton on Saturday, June 2 and at McDougall Centre in Calgary on Saturday, July 21. The parties will be open to the public. Albertans wishing to send a message of congratulations to Her Majesty can sign books at the Legislature Building and McDougall Centre in Calgary, which will be available all year. An online book of congratulations will be available later this month.