- This topic has 2 voices and 1 reply.
-
Posts
-
This is surely not a “celebration” by no means but I wanted to share what was written in the Washington Post today.
Straining for a Glimpse of Royalty
Queen Launches Visit in Richmond by Offering Sympathy Over Va. Tech Tragedy
By Fredrick Kunkle and Paul Duggan
Washington Post Staff Writers
Friday, May 4, 2007; Page A01
RICHMOND, May 3 — Ladies and gentlemen, The Queen.
As dozens of well-wishers and a military band waited in the rain for her arrival, Queen Elizabeth II and her royal entourage touched down Thursday at Richmond International Airport, beginning the British monarch’s first U.S. visit since 1991 — a six-day tour eagerly anticipated by her hosts and many of her loyal subjects residing in the former colonies.
Jamestown Anniversary
400-Year Legacy
The first permanent English colony in the new world gets star treatment this year, ranging from gala festivities to sober historical reassessment.
Whisked by motorcade to Virginia’s newly refurbished State Capitol with her husband, the 81-year-old queen delivered a six-minute speech to a joint session of the General Assembly. Although she traveled here to help commemorate the 400th anniversary of Jamestown, England’s first permanent colony in the New World, she opened her remarks on a somber note.
“As a state, and as a nation, you are still coming to terms with the dreadful events at Virginia Tech on the 16th of April,” she said. Thirty-two people were slain on campus by a gunman who then killed himself. “My heart goes out to the students, families and friends who were killed and many others who have been affected,” she said.
“On behalf of the people of the United Kingdom, I extend my deep sympathies at this time of such grief and sorrow.” She later met privately with some of the students.
As for Jamestown, she told lawmakers that it is appropriate for history to “reassess” English settlers’ role in pushing Native Americans from their land and enslaving Africans. But she stopped short of an apology, saying such debate should not overshadow the role the settlers played in establishing the nation’s democracy.
In 1619, 20 Africans arrived in Jamestown on a Dutch ship and were traded for goods, marking the start of slavery in what would become the United States, according to the National Park Service.
“Human progress rarely comes without costs,” she said. “And those early years in Jamestown, when three great civilizations came together for the first time — Western European, Native American and African — released a train of events which continues to have a profound social impact not only in the United States but also in the United Kingdom and Europe.”…………………..
……People in business dress mingled with members of several Virginia Indian tribes in full regalia, their every step setting off jangles of beads and bells. One woman wore an elaborate royal gown, replete with a swooping, clamshell-like collar, in a centuries-old style……..
………….Chiefs from the state’s eight Indian tribes, whose ancestors first encountered the British at Jamestown, performed a dance. Ben Adams, 57, a member of the Upper Mataponi tribe who danced for the queen, said he was thrilled.
………..”It was real exciting. For her to come — it’s tremendous respect for her,” said Adams, who is the chief’s brother. “It has been a sorrowful time. But now is a time for healing. Our ancestors would be happy about this.”……….
………..Many of the Native Americans who came said they hoped their presence would raise awareness of two key points: their survival despite 400 years of intermittent conflict and racial divisions with the European descendants and their desire for federal recognition.
“We were here first. We’re hoping it will give us some insight on our life and maybe they’ll give back something to the people who have had so much taken away,” said Mayflower Adkins, 80, a member of the Chickahominy tribe who attended with her daughter, Birdie, 58. Both live in Charles City.
Chief Bill Miles of the Pamunkey nation presented the queen with a copy of a pearl and gold brooch given to Pocahontas when the Powhatan princess, having converted to Christianity and married colonist John Rolfe, visited London 400 years ago………
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/03/AR2007050301237.html?hpid=topnews
You know what pissed me off the most? The COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA footed the COST OF THE ENTIRE trip and time the Queen spent over here! I couldn’t believe it! Can you imagine how much that cost? I didn’t even hear how many millions of dollars spent…..but I think it is ridiculous, when our school systems, cities and such need so much funding. They could care less about our people.
Hey, but that’s just me of course.:p
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
