Remembrance Sunday "Poppy Day" in London
Being an American in England has been endlessly fascinating-especially during this previous election season. I feel really lucky to have been given the chance to experience American politics through the British lens. However, having everyone ask us who we voted for has gotten a bit old!
America is so politically divided- it has been decades since the country rallied universally behind our president. I guess this is why I was surprised when I realized just how much people love Queen Elizabeth II. I knew people loved the Queen, but, especially during this Diamond Jubilee year, she is absolutely adored! I've come to realize that this is because the British political system allows for two national figure heads. Whereas our president is the embodiment of both our national ideals and the government, the Queen is a symbolic leader and not the head of state. She embodies British history, tradition, and national pride. David Cameron the Prime Minister, is the head of the government...and he is the one with the bad wrap. There is quite a bit of animosity towards him because he is the one the public holds responsible for taxes, health care, and general government unhappiness.
However, on Sunday, none of this seemed to matter too much as the United Kingdom gathered to remember their war veterans and fallen heroes.
Even though I am not British, I couldn't help but feel proud standing amongst the crowd singing the few lines I knew from "Hail Britannia" and "God Save the Queen". Sometimes it is easy to forget that our history is so entangled with that of the United Kingdom- in a small way, England is part of every American's heritage.
All the pomp was even more poignant when remembering that Monday was Veteran's Day back home. Regardless of the country, there is something tragically beautiful about remembering all the sacrifices so many have made for their nation and the people who comprise it.
However, being mere feet away from the Queen and the Royal Family probably didn't hurt my feelings of dual-patriotism either.
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| Prince William laying a Remembrance Wreath |
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| Prince Phillip and Prince William |
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| The Queen and Prince Phillip |
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| Her Majesty surrounded by sun beams |
