- Sep 26, 2000
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http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05...&scp=2&sq=queen&st=cse
Left Out of D-Day Events, Queen Elizabeth Is Fuming
Indeed, she is decidedly displeased, angry even, that she was not invited to join President Obama and France?s president, Nicolas Sarkozy, next week at commemorations of the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, according to reports published in Britain?s mass-circulation tabloid newspapers on Wednesday. Pointedly, Buckingham Palace did not deny the reports.
The queen, who is 83, is the only living head of state who served in uniform during World War II. As Elizabeth Windsor, service number 230873, she volunteered as a subaltern in the Women?s Auxiliary Territorial Service, training as a driver and a mechanic. Eventually, she drove military trucks in support roles in England.
British veterans? groups demanded more backing for this year?s ceremonies on the grounds that only a handful of soldiers who fought in Normandy were likely to be alive at the 70th anniversary in 2014
I have no particular love for the Queen. But I am shocked over this. As the story points out, the next "big" anniversay, the 70th, will pretty much be devoid of vets, as the youngest would be like 88. And, it's highly likely even Elizabeth won't be there.
I suggest the Queen hold her own ceremony at the same time. Let's see who draws more veterans.
Left Out of D-Day Events, Queen Elizabeth Is Fuming
Indeed, she is decidedly displeased, angry even, that she was not invited to join President Obama and France?s president, Nicolas Sarkozy, next week at commemorations of the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, according to reports published in Britain?s mass-circulation tabloid newspapers on Wednesday. Pointedly, Buckingham Palace did not deny the reports.
The queen, who is 83, is the only living head of state who served in uniform during World War II. As Elizabeth Windsor, service number 230873, she volunteered as a subaltern in the Women?s Auxiliary Territorial Service, training as a driver and a mechanic. Eventually, she drove military trucks in support roles in England.
British veterans? groups demanded more backing for this year?s ceremonies on the grounds that only a handful of soldiers who fought in Normandy were likely to be alive at the 70th anniversary in 2014
I have no particular love for the Queen. But I am shocked over this. As the story points out, the next "big" anniversay, the 70th, will pretty much be devoid of vets, as the youngest would be like 88. And, it's highly likely even Elizabeth won't be there.
I suggest the Queen hold her own ceremony at the same time. Let's see who draws more veterans.