Royal Canadian Legion Branch #39 Lloydminster Sgt. at Arms Rick Mallett pays respects to Queen Elizabeth II during a ceremony on Monday morning with members of the local RCMP, Lloydminster Legion members, local dignitaries, members of the public, and Grade 9 students from E.S. Laird Middle School. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
Following Monday’s state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey, Royal Canadian Legion Branch #39 Lloydminster held its own public celebration of life here in the Border City.
Originally planned to take place at the Cenotaph outside of City Hall, weather forced the memorial service to be held indoors in the newly-renovated Legion.
“We’re here to celebrate and commemorate the life of The Queen,” said Lloydminster Legion 1st vice president Vince Scott.
“We’ve got a bagpiper, we’ve got a bugler, and we’ve brought in a good number of people for this.”
Local dignitaries in attendance included Mayor Gerald Aalbers and his wife, Christine, who led the singing of O Canada, Vermilion-Lloydminster-Wainwright MLA Garth Rowswell, Lloydminster MLA Colleen Young, and two members from the Lloydminster RCMP detachment, appropriately dressed in Red Serge.
“We had lots of students come down,” said Scott, adding the fact bagpiper Shaun Donald brought two entire Grade 9 classes from E.S. Laird Middle School to soak in the experience.
“We were surprised to see them, but also very pleased to see them because our heritage is getting lost, so it’s good to see it here.”
Lloydminster resident, Ean Bull, who was born in England and moved to Canada in the mid-‘90s, was pleased with the turnout for such an important date in time.
“I think it’s a good thing and it’s great to see the youth here,” said Bull. “I think it’s the end of an era; the Elizabethan second age has been a good one, and lasted 70 years.”
“I took the Oath of Allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II back in 1987 and I’ve held on to it ever since after serving for seven years.”
Lloydminster MLA Colleen Young, who also spoke during Monday’s ceremony, said recognizing the Queen’s passing is important as she’s been our monarch for 70 years, as well as the only monarch most of us have ever known.
“Her dedication to the commonwealth is really important,” she said.
“It means a lot as a commonwealth country to show our respect for someone who served us for such a long time.”
During her speech, Young stated “Her Majesty’s constant presence, joyful tone and inspiring speeches captivated audiences for decades, including when the Crown proudly welcomed her Majesty to Lloydminster in 1978 as part of the Commonwealth Games in Edmonton. Over the course of 70 years, our Queen often spoke of the importance of dedication. Dedication to family and dedication to your community. During the 2005 Saskatchewan Centennial celebrations, her Majesty spent time in Regina, meeting with as many revolvers as possible, the Royal visit brought smiles to the faces of thousands in attendance.
“Her Majesty’s passing has evoked strong memories to that visit to the Prairies.”
