Kincardine celebrates Queen Elizabeth II as longest-reigning Monarch in British history

It was an afternoon of fascinators and High Tea, Wednesday, as about 60 people gathered at the Kincardine Legion to celebrate Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth II, as the longest-reigning Monarch in British history.

Piper John Farrell of the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band, led the dignitaries to the stage.

Kincardine mayor Anne Eadie then welcomed the crowd to this historic occasion and noted that Her Majesty has been Queen for more than 63 years and seven months, surpassing Queen Victoria. During that time, there have been 11 Canadian prime ministers, 11 Governors-General, and seven Popes.

"Through the years, Queen Elizabeth II has successfully managed to maintain tradition while making the necessary changes to remain a part of the modern world," said Eadie. "Long may she reign as Canada's Queen."

The Kincardine Community Concert Band led the crowd in the singing of "O Canada," followed by the Proclamation, read by Bill Strong, representing Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb's office.

The Proclamation reads: "We, as proud Canadians, composed of the residents of the Municipality of Kincardine, gathered at Noon on the 9^th of September, 2015, to celebrate the momentous day when our Queen, a Mother of our Confederation, becomes the longest-reigning Sovereign of Canada. During more than 63 years as our Monarch, the Queen has united Canada by her example of inclusiveness, dedication and selfless service, of which we are deeply proud; and which we pledge to try to mirror in our own lives. We send Her Majesty today our loyalty and love, together with the hope that she will reign in health and happiness for many years to come. God Save the Queen."

Eadie read a letter of congratulations sent to the Queen from the Municipality of Kincardine, and a response from Buckingham Palace, sent by David Ryan, director, Private Secretary's Office: "Dear Madam Mayor, The Queen has asked me to thank you for your kind letter informing her that you, the council and residents of the Municipality of Kincardine, Ontario, will be gathering on the 9th September to celebrate Her Majesty becoming the longest-reigning Monarch of Canada. The Queen has asked me to send her best wishes to you and all those participating in the celebrations for a most memorable and enjoyable day."

Kincardine Legion past-president Maureen Couture then gave a Tribute to the Queen, noting that the residents of Kincardine join their fellow Canadians and many people throughout the Commonwealth, honouring a Monarch who embodies the Canadian state, and a woman of faith and principle whom all deeply admire.

"As our Monarch, the Queen is part of Parliament, ensuring that we are a nation governed by law and not by the whims of a dictator, nor even of an elected leader subject to the shifting sands of popularity: for their power is lent by the Crown on behalf of us all, and according to the rules we have made. She guarantees a neutral judiciary, and enhances national identify in countless ways.

"Her image appears on all our coinage, as well as many postage stamps and bank notes. She sets a tone of stability, one reinforced as we look forward in the fullness of time to the reigns of her successors, Charles, William and George. Entrenched in our Constitution, she is at once a human being and the incarnation of a bedrock institution of Canada, giving authority to both the federal government and the provincial governments. She is the fount of Honour, recognizing Canadians for their good deeds, and encouraging others to do the same.

"As our friend, the Queen exemplifies the ideal of service, freely given. As a figure of unity, she denies herself the expression of personal opinions in favour of listening to what we have to say. She is the particular friend and trusted Ally of our First Nations peoples. She defies stereotypes of age, continuing at age 89 to show that a busy schedule, interest in others and engagement with communities, is a recipe for happiness and longevity we might all wish to emulate. She does not follow style nor seek to be a 'personality' - she is herself!

"She has been with us in Canada from sea-to-sea, in large cities and rural hamlets, meeting us, encouraging us, spreading happiness and a sense of common values and shared purpose wherever she journeys. She has been and, in memory remains forever, a central part of every significant occasion in our national life, from the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway in 1959 to Expo '67, to the Montreal Olympics, the final Patriation of our Constitution, Canada 125, the Anniversaries of D-Day and Vimy and recently of Ypres; and, God willing, she will join us in the great party for Canada 150 in 2017.

"First coming to Canada as a princess in 1951, when Vincent Massey was Governor-General, and Louis St. Laurent was prime minister, she has known all their successors, and met many of us who see in her, yes, the mysterious enchantment of Monarchy; but also the much more down-to-earth hard work of a woman whom we admire - a granny and great-grandmother now - but always a Mother of our Confederation and constant companion in the ups and downs of our nation's life. 'I am no fair-weather friend,' she once observed on Parliament Hill - how true!

"She is the only Monarch most of us have ever known - how fortunate we are! What a challenge to all her fellow Canadians that we might live our lives inspired by her good example. And that, in a nutshell, is why we are gathered here today. To say thank you, and well done, and long life - God bless and keep her!"

Strong led the crowd in the Re-affirmation of Allegiance, and Rev. Jim Weir, Legion Chaplain, gave the non-denominational blessing. The band then led the crowd in the singing of "God Save the Queen." And everyone was invited for High Tea in the clubroom.

Eadie thanked all those who assisted with the great celebration, including organizer Jennifer White, the concert band, piper John Farrell, Legion president Mary Farrell and the Legion workers who put together and served the High Tea.