To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, Queen Elizabeth gave a poignant speech, and referenced her father, King George VI.
Delivering the speech in Portsmouth, England, on Wednesday (her second one in three days, after speaking during the state banquet held at Buckingham Palace on Monday), Queen Elizabeth quoted her father's famous wartime speech. "In a broadcast to the nation at that time, my Father, King George VI, said: '…what is demanded from us all is something more than courage and endurance; we need a revival of spirit, a new unconquerable resolve...'" (Any King's Speech movie fans?)
As she fought the wind that tried to blow the papers right out of her hands, Queen Liz spoke on with resolve...and we have to say, at 93, she's still able to move us with her heartfelt delivery.
The queen also said her generation, the "wartime generation," is "resilient," and thanked the soldiers who fought in World War II on behalf of the "whole free world."
Read Her Majesty's full speech below:
"Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
When I attended the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the D-Day Landings, some thought it might be the last such event. But the wartime generation—my generation—is resilient, and I am delighted to be with you in Portsmouth today.
Seventy-five years ago, hundreds of thousands of young soldiers, sailors and airmen left these shores in the cause of freedom. In a broadcast to the nation at that time, my Father, King George VI, said: '…what is demanded from us all is something more than courage and endurance; we need a revival of spirit, a new unconquerable resolve...' That is exactly what those brave men brought to the battle, as the fate of the world depended on their success.
Many of them would never return, and the heroism, courage and sacrifice of those who lost their lives will never be forgotten. It is with humility and pleasure, on behalf of the entire country—indeed the whole free world—that I say to you all, thank you."
