Queen’s Best Wishes for VI Flag’s 150th

Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth ll, recently wrote to VICCS…

 

A thoughtful reply was recently sent to us from Buckingham Palace, which we were royally pleased to hear – and feel compelled to share. That, VI Flaq, Q Victoria, Poster- historical, july'15

“…on the occasion of the One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the flag of Vancouver Island  …Her Majesty sends her best wishes to all concerned for a most successful and enjoyable year marking this significant milestone.”

We’ve included our letter to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, along with a footnote on the significance of Vancouver Island’s flag to our Island and coast, as well as to pre-Confederation Canada. (see additional files)

The Vancouver Island  of 150 years ago, a colony of Britain, was the first self-governing democratic government in the west. VI’s flag symbolized the culture, and the “home country’s” plans to establish two provinces on the coast.

In remembering this oft-forgotten piece of our history we also gain fresh insight into other customs and practices which were common in the past, many of which will serve us well again in these times. Sustainability and stewardship, and community spirit, come quickly to mind.

We hope this message from Buckingham Palace encourages all Islanders, and mainlanders – everyone actually, to consider the challenges and hard work of our ancestors and elders. Many have given much so that we might enjoy the quality of life we have today.

 

Laurie Gourlay
President, VICCS

Vancouver Island & Coast Conservation Society, P.O. Box 333, Cedar, B.C., V9X 1W1, <viccs@vcn.bc.ca>  <www.viccs.vcn.bc.ca>

 

Buckingham Palace replies…

As noted, ‘a thoughtful reply came back to us from Buckingham Palace’… “…on the occasion of the One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the flag of Vancouver Island …Her Majesty sends her best wishes to all concerned for a most successful and enjoyable year marking this significant milestone.” In turn, to honour a shared history …

Footnote, to Her Majesty

Footnote – February 27, 2015 Letter, to: The Private Secretary to Her Majesty The Queen Buckingham Palace London SW1A 1AA Our flag represents the historic values of 1865 when, under Queen Victoria’s gracious declaration permission was given for the British ensign to be adapted …and a Vancouver Island flag to be unfurled for the first …

Her Majesty’s Milestone, & Best Wishes for Vancouver Island’s Milestone!

Press Release – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 9, 2015 Her Majesty’s Milestone, & Best Wishes for Vancouver Island’s Milestone! CEDAR – “Sometimes it takes a Queen to remind us of how lucky we are,” says Laurie Gourlay, President of the Vancouver Island and Coast Conservation Society. Tomorrow night VICCS Directors Laurie Gourlay and Scott Akenhead …

Letter: ‘Let’s remember a time before Canada…’

Letter To The Editor …”Let’s remember a time before Canada, when two colonies, and many First Nations, shared the coast.” July 30, 2015 Dear Editor, Along with British Columbia Day’s summertime break comes a history of Empires, European explorations, and First Nation heritage. More recent symbols also serve to remind us of those early days, …

VICCS’ Correspondence w/ Her Majesty

Her Majesty The Queen Buckingham Palace London SW1A 1AA February 27, 2015 Dear Sir, We were pleased to read of Her Majesty The Queen’s generous remarks on the 50th anniversary of the Canadian flag, celebrated recently on February 15th. On behalf of Canadians now resident here on the west coast, where Captain James Cook was …