A personal reflection on the passing of one of the greats of our time by James Bohn
This post is not about politics or economics. Rather, it is about the life qualities that are most important and a person who embodied them.
I have always admired Elizabeth II for her dedication to duty, decency, the British people and the Commonwealth. For that reason, I offer a few words of personal reflection for GOUSA readers on her life and the events this month.
Queen Elizabeth II gave many speeches during her long reign. However, in my view, her greatest preceded her ascension to the throne in 1952. The speech was simple and short. The occasion was her twenty-first birthday in 1947.
In that brief speech, she vowed to dedicate her whole life to the service of the British people and the commonwealth. Her stirring words are captured in the excerpt below.
Mature beyond her years when she ascended to the throne upon the passing of George VI in 1952, she was a rock that never faltered. Throughout her long reign, Elizabeth II exhibited a dedication to duty and decency rare among those in the public eye especially in our current times.
There will be many musical tributes to Elizabeth II in the coming weeks. While many occasions will feature the British national anthem, in my mind, a different song better captures her life and reign.
That song is I Vow to Thee My Country. The performance in the excerpt below by the Royal Marines Band.
Elizabeth maintained her 1947 vow of service until her final day on earth.
Speaking for GOUSA, every member of our team believes in the importance of duty and service to country and community. That’s why we do what we do.
GOUSA isn’t a for profit entity. We are a volunteer-driven, grass roots organization. We spend our time, treasure and talent to keep GOUSA going because we believe that our message of opportunity will make America a better place to be.
If you’d like to become part of GOUSA or learn more about our organization, just hot the CONTACT tab and send us an email. We’d love to hear from you.