The Royal City is getting set to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II as she breaks her great-great grandmother’s record as the longest reigning monarch in British history.
New Westminster city council has approved plans and a budget related to events to celebrate the occasion.
“On Sept. 9, 2015, Queen Elizabeth’s II’s reign will surpass that of Canada’s other great Mother of Confederation, Queen Victoria,” said a staff report. “On that date, our monarch will have served us and the Commonwealth for the longest period in our modern history.”
The Monarchist League of Canada has asked 3,500 cities across Canada to organize a noontime ceremony on Sept. 9 to commemorate the occasion.
New Westminster will hold an event that will begin at noon on Sept. 9 and include the singing of the national anthem and God Save the Queen, three firings by the Ancient and Honourable Hyack Anvil Battery and light refreshment and snacks. The anvil battery’s captain and a guest speaker will make comments and the mayor will read a message that will be sent to the Queen.
“This would allow citizens to share a tribute to the Queen on this special day, and join a chain of municipalities, large and small, across Canada in a public demonstration of thanks, loyalty and deep affection,” stated the staff report.
The city will also consider creating a template greeting card in honour of Her Majesty and provide all elementary school children in New Westminster with a greeting card that they can colour and personalize with a message, which the city will collect the cards and mail to Queen Elizabeth II.
The $2,650 budget approved by council includes funds for tea and cookies for an anticipated crowd of 200 attendees, décor, performance honorariums, and design and printing of greeting cards for school children.
