What Is The Diamond Jubilee?
Created in 2012 to mark the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal was a tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country. At the same time, this commemorative medal served to honour significant contributions and achievements by Canadians. During the year of celebrations, 60, 000 deserving Canadians were recognized. The Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II was a multinational celebration throughout 2012, that marked the 60th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II on 6 February 1952. As of 21 June 2014, Elizabeth was queen regnant of 16 sovereign states, known as Commonwealth realms, including the United Kingdom. The only other time in British history that a monarch celebrated a Diamond Jubilee was in 1897, when Queen Victoria celebrated hers.
Grandmothers Recognition
In the summer of 2013 my grandmother was a recipient and honored with a Diamond Jubilee Medal, although I haven’t been back to Halifax in a while it is always home. My grandmother has always been a pillar and rock of the family she’s is looked up to and respected by many, her actions have always spoken louder then her words, and her grace and beauty has always been refined. My grandparents raised me for much of my adolescence in Halifax, and my grandmothers influence, guidance and teachings have never strayed far from my heart or mind . I can recall walking through the halls of the homestead always looking at the walls seeing different artifacts, awards, medals, and honors that were attained by both my grandparents through their travels. A neat and memorable moment was when I was going through a few old dusty photo albums in a box in the basement when I was still in high school and saw a magnificent picture of my grandparents greeting and shaking hands with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip during one of their official royal visits to Canada in the early 1990’s. In a province and region that has historically had a conspicuous and well documented somewhat contentions governmental relationship with the citizens of the African Canadian community, there were my two grandparents in the same realm with the royal family. At that point in my young life I truly realized, wow anything is possible, no matter the obstacles or delays, with effort, integrity and purpose you can do experience and accomplish great things when you be of service to others.
To me the Diamond Jubilee Medal is extra special for recipients because of the sense of longevity it represents, 60 years of service is a long time. In those years of service on the throne the Queen has made 22 official visits to Canada, impressive considering she is still head of state for 16 Commonwealth nations. If I could use one word to describe my grandmother it would probably be “Service”, wither to family, friends, church or community as the Queen of the Downey Family, she has always emphasized working hard, getting a good education and striving towards being the best version of you. My grandmother has always been a pillar everyone in the community, immediate and or extended family could count on. Like many great woman she wears many hats, to the community and friends she is, Ardith, Ardie, or Mrs. Downey,to her 6 children she is Mom, however for her 13 grandchildren she’ll always just be “Nanny”, the amazing woman will all forever be proud of who has cemented her place in history along with 59,999 others.
Congratulations Nanny! I speak for all your grandchildren when I say, Love you.
