In her first trip to the Big Apple in over 30 years, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II visited the site of the 9/11 attacks and gave an historic speech at the United Nations. The visit to New York lasted only one day, following a nine day trip to Canada.
AP Photo/Mary Altaffer
In the morning, Her Majesty was at the U.N. headquarters where she was to make her first speech there since 1957 – four years after she was crowned Queen. She mentioned that as she opened her speech.
“Since then, I have travelled widely and met many leaders, ambassadors and statesmen from around the world. I address you today as Queen of sixteen United Nations Member States and as Head of the Commonwealth of 54 countries,” the Queen said.
“I have also witnessed great change, much of it for the better, particularly in science and technology, and in social attitudes. Remarkably, many of these sweeping advances have come about not because of governments, committee resolutions, or central directives – although all these have played a part – but instead because millions of people around the world have wanted them.
“For the United Nations, these subtle yet significant changes in people’s approach to leadership and power might have foreshadowed failure and demise. Instead, the United Nations has grown and prospered by responding and adapting to these shifts. But also, many important things have not changed. The aims and values which inspired the United Nations Charter endure: to promote international peace, security and justice; to relieve and remove the blight of hunger, poverty and disease; and to protect the rights and liberties of every citizen.”
Queen Elizabeth went on to congratulate the U.N. for its development since 1957, pointing out its numerous overseas operations and humanitarian actions.
But she also talked about the struggles in the present day, such as terrorism and climate change.
As she wrapped her speech, the Queen spoke about her hopes for the United Nations’ future.
“When people in fifty-three years from now look back on us, they will doubtless view many of our practices as old-fashioned. But it is my hope that, when judged by future generations, our sincerity, our willingness to take a lead, and our determination to do the right thing, will stand the test of time.
AP Photo/Fred R. Conrad, Pool
“In my lifetime, the United Nations has moved from being a high-minded aspiration to being a real force for common good. That of itself has been a signal achievement. But we are not gathered here to reminisce. In tomorrow’s world, we must all work together as hard as ever if we are truly to be United Nations.”
Afterwards, the Queen met with the Security Council and several U.N. diplomats.
Then, Her Majesty went to Ground Zero to lay a wreath in memory of those who died nearly 9 years ago in the terrorist attacks. She also met with the victims’ families and the rescue workers who responded first to the attacks.
At the end of her day, and in the sweltering New York heat, Queen Elizabeth went to the British Memorial Garden at Hanover Square, dedicated to the 67 British victims of 9/11, to officially open it.
With that, the Queen’s whirlwind visit to New York City was over. She flew back to Britain where she and her husband, Prince Philip, will rest from the Canadian and New York tours.
Some wondered if this would’ve been one of the 84 year-old monarch’s last overseas visits. There have been rumors of her cutting back on her duties. But recently it was revealed the Queen and Prince Philip will go the Middle East for official visits in the fall.
Source: British Monarchy, AFP
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