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,
“…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>