May 24th Weekend

[FLYING_TRUCKER]

It is here again...the long weekend...May 24th

It is a holiday celebrating the Greatest Queen in History and it is celebrated I hope throughout the Commonwealth.

May the 24th is the Queens Birthday
We don't get a holiday
We will all run away

LOL

Well the old girl and I have been spring cleaning most of the week and everything here is ship shape Bristol fashion for the holiday.

I have the Black Powder ready for the Brown Bess and lots of fireworks on hand.
The baking of pies and cakes has been done and the old girl is preparing the feast for Monday which is the 23rd, but the holiday is held on Monday to give everyone a long week-end that works.

Our friends bring in a dish each and their musical instruments and we have a party.

[ChuckMajik]

When you're unemployed like me, long weekends are pointless.

[FLYING_TRUCKER]

Well JL I am sure something good will come along for you.

Keep your spirits up and take it a day at a time.

Cheers...Happy Landings...Doug

[TacitBlue]

Sounds like fun. Not to sound like a sheltered American, but which Queen is it, the current one?

[FLYING_TRUCKER]

Her Majesty Queen Victoria (Alexandrina Victoria) (24 May 1819

[Hagar]

It is a holiday celebrating the Greatest Queen in History and it is celebrated I hope throughout the Commonwealth.

Interesting Doug. It's no longer celebrated here, not with a holiday anyway. I vaguely remember celebrating Empire Day when I was in primary school. Think we got a half-day off. Haven't heard of it for many years so I checked it out. http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/page3827.asp

Q: Jonathon - South Glamorgan
I understand from your Ceremonial Calendar that Commonwealth Day will take place on 14 March this year. What does this day involve and why is it always celebrated on the second Monday in March?

In London, a multi-faith Observance for Commonwealth Day is held in Westminster Abbey, followed by a large reception given by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, normally at Marlborough House. Most years, The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh attend.

The present arrangements for Commonwealth Day grew out of the Empire Day movement at the end of the nineteenth century which proposed to celebrate the Empire on 24 May, Queen Victoria's birthday. In 1916, Empire Day was officially recognised and thereafter flags were flown from government buildings on that day.

In 1958, the name was changed to Commonwealth Day. The date remained 24 May until 1966, when Commonwealth Day became linked to The Queen's official birthday in June. From 1977 the day has been celebrated in March. This was approved by heads of government as a day when children throughout the Commonwealth, for whom the day is particularly intended, would be at school. The Queen, when she came to the throne, continued her father's custom of sending a special message to the youth of the Empire; since 1965 The Queen's message has been delivered on Commonwealth Day, and is broadcast on the BBC World Service.

[FLYING_TRUCKER]

Thanks Doug

Here May 24th is still celebrated with parades in larger cities like Toronto.

[Hagar]

[quote]I find the article you just posted very strange that you do not celebrate May 24th in Great Britain.

[FLYING_TRUCKER]

Well it is over

It is Tuesday Morning, about 5:00am May 24th and the Holiday was celebrated on Monday giving most folks a long weekend.

The surrounding towns and villages had their functions capped off with fireworks.  The rain held off for most folks however it was a little windy and damp.

Here we had six people more than the usual ten couples and there was lots of food and drink left over.
The rain held off and I kept the wood fires aglow.

The old girl and I reminisced about the last week and all the work we put into this, as a matter of fact we seem to do this for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years as well.
Is it all worth it...we think it is...I can not think of any way better to spend ones time than with family, friends and neighbours

Oh and by the way I came in third in the flour bombing contest, I got a little to fast on approach.
Well there will be next year.

Cheers...Happy Landings...Doug

[Wing Nut]

I'd love to see what that map looks like now...

I knew a guy once who would invite dignitaries and politicians to his non-existant birthday parties every year hoping they would send a gift in lieu of coming themselves.  The amazing part is that sometimes it worked...  :)

Kevin

[Hagar]

I'd love to see what that map looks like now...

This what it looks like now.