I haven't ever paid much attention to the Queen nor her speeches but since I went to the movie The King's Speech I have considered her father and the upbringing she had because of him. In May 1939 the King and Queen Elizabeth came to Canada for a visit. While in Winnipeg, he addressed the Commonwealth's 300 million people.
At the conclusion of his speech he addressed the youth "I would end with a special word of greeting to those of my listeners who are young. It is true - and I deplore it deeply - that the skies are overcast in more than one quarter at the present time. Do not on that account lose heart. Life is a great adventure and every one of you can be a pioneer, blazing by thought and service a trail of better things. Hold fast to all that is just and of good report in the heritage in which your fathers have left to you, but strive also to improve and equalize that heritage for all men and women in the years to come. Remember, too, that the key to all true progress lies in faith, hope and love."
Four months after his Winnipeg speech, the King once again spoke to the Empire, this time to announce Britain had declared war on Germany.
"In this grave hour," the King began, "perhaps the most fateful in our history, I send to every household of my peoples, both at home and overseas, this message, spoken with the same depth of feeling for each one of you as if I were able to cross your threshold and speak to you myself."
In calm, measured words he concluded: "The task will be hard. There may be dark days ahead, and war can no longer be confined to the battlefield, but we can only do the right as we see the right, and reverently commit our cause to God. If one and all we keep resolutely faithful to it, ready for whatever service or sacrifice it may demand, then with God's help, we shall prevail."
This was a good man. A good father. A good King.
God Save the King.
5 comments:
Bonnie,
I totally enjoyed The King's Speach - and you know how rarely we go to the movies! It prompted me to google all the British history I had forgotten - or never knew. He was a rather remarkable man - both as a King and as a father to a Queen. What a life they lead - dropped into a job that they may or may not have an apptitude for. Those that do well need to be commended. And even those that struggle should not be condemmed for having tried! God Save the Queen.
I loved the film and the man. Thanks for these wonderful quotes.
thank you for your kind comment on my married valentines post... it's so true. and actually my husband and i saw this movie on our vday date... it was superb. and i learned a lot... history & entertainment all rolled into one:)
I wanted to see this movie and it is rated R. Why do think that is? I was surprised. Do they have ratings in Canada. I would like to make my own rating on this one so I can see it. Give me some insight.
I loved reading this Bonnie and I loved the movie. It is nearly impossible to believe that the magnificent words you quoted came out of the mouth of a man that practically had to “give birth” to each and every syllable. Maybe we should all try looking to our frailties as a source of genius.
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