The world has been saddened by the loss of Queen Elizabeth II after she reigned on her throne in the United Kingdom for 70 years. This sadness over her death has been compounded by the 21st anniversary of the 9/11 attack in America by terrorists.
One of the things that may bring some healing to our sadness may be to remember an act by Queen Elizabeth that showed her compassion and solidity with America.
Just two days after the 9/11 attack in 2001, the Queen made an unprecedented move to honor those who lost their lives in the terrorist attack. This was a decision that broke a longstanding, 600-year, tradition in England.
On September 13, 2001, the Queen decreed that “The Star Spangled Banner” would be played outside of Buckingham Palace. This was her way of having the country stand in solidarity with America.
Over 3,000 people were there to hear the band of the Coldstream Guards play the patriotic song during the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. The song was followed by two minutes of silence.
The royal website recounted that the crowd sang along and many of them wept as the band played for Americans who were in mourning.
On the 20th anniversary of September 11, the Queen once again asked that America’s National Anthem be played during the Changing of the Guard.
She issued a statement than to President Joe Biden and all of America giving us her condolences.
“As we mark the 20th anniversary of the terrible attacks on 11th September 2001, my thoughts and prayers – and those of my family and the entire nation – remain with the victims, survivors, and families affected, as well as the first responders and rescue workers called to duty,” the Queen said.
While the world is grieving on several fronts, this act of friendship and solidarity has healing power.
Watch:
Praying for the Royal Family and remembering that the day after the attacks of September 11th, The Queen broke a 600 year-old royal tradition and requested the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Buckingham Palace.
????????????????????
— Ben Goldey (@BenGoldey) September 8, 2022
