BATTLEFORD — A beacon to be lit by the Battleford Royal Canadian Legion #9 will be one of thousands being lit in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth as part of the official program announced by Buckingham Palace to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
The event will take place at the Battleford Lions Park gazebo on the evening of June 2. The public is invited. The ceremony will begin at about 9:15 with an introduction and the singing of O Canada. Dignitaries will include Battleford Mayor Ames Leslie.
Battleford Legion #9 vice-president Tim Popp says, “We are proud to be part of this momentous celebration. It is only appropriate that this unique milestone in history is marked with beacons and music. We are honoured to be part of this special event for Her Majesty, The Queen’s 70th year as our Monarch and Head of the Commonwealth on her Platinum Jubilee.”
Popp explains, “The long tradition of lighting beacons to mark a significant royal celebration enables local communities, like ours, to join together to pay tribute to Her Majesty as part of the official program of events.”
Beacons across the Commonwealth will range in size from bonfires to smaller beacons such as the one Battleford Legion intends to light, says Popp.
He also says because Battleford has its own pipe band, they will be able to join bagpipers across the Commonwealth in playing Diu Regnare, a unique tune specially written for the occasion by Pipe Major Stuart Liddel, the world's leading piper. This is scheduled for 9:35 p.m.
At 9:40 buglers, including at Battleford, will officially announce the lighting of the beacons with a specially written bugle call, entitled Majesty.
The beacons are to be lit at 9:45 local time.
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacons and Associated Activities have been conceived and organized by the official Pageant master Bruno Peek and his dedicated team, says Popp.
As for the location, he said it is appropriate in its central location and proximity to the Legion Hall, as well as the fact that it was dedicated by Princess Anne on June 5 of 2004.
Also taking place in Battleford on June 2 is the kickoff to Parks and Recreation Month being hosted y the Battleford Community Spirit Group from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Alex Dillabough Parking Lot. There will be an RCMP bicycle rodeo for all ages, a chance to meet with Battleford firefighters, wagon rides, demonstrations of the new senior activity area, games and hot dogs.
