Celebrating a remarkable 60-year reign (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Celebrating a remarkable 60-year reign

8:38am Monday 6th February 2012 in Our View By Telegraph & Argus

On this day 60 years ago, King George VI died, marking the start of a remarkable reign by our current Queen, Elizabeth II.

Whatever personal views people hold of the Queen and of the monarchy in general, few would deny that she has done an outstanding and remarkable job. And it is fitting that in this Diamond Jubilee year tributes are paid to the dedication and sacrifice she has given as part of her duty as monarch.

Her family has splintered in the public eye, and she has lived her own life in the constant glare of the media spotlight.

There will be many who have little sympathy, and the homes, servants and land certainly must soften the blows. But she has served the country diligently and dutifully, acting as a figurehead and ambassador, unifying communities in times of celebration and helping provide strength to the nation in more difficult periods.

That we should mark this very significant anniversary is right, and coming in the year of the London Olympics, it will hopefully bring a spirit of celebration to 2012.

Bradford has already indicated it is prepared to get into the spirit of things, with various civic events planned, and hopefully many smaller community-led celebrations will also take place across the district.

That spirit of celebration is certainly needed. The tough economic measures brought in to reduce the deficit are hitting us all and anything that can provide a little light relief is to be welcomed.

Celebrating the Diamond Jubilee this year isn’t going to miraculously change anyone’s life or ease these hard times. But it is an opportunity for the community to come together in a positive way, to mark a happy occasion, and to forget other troubles for a while.