The ceremony took place as the monarch’s funeral was held in London. Queen Elizabeth II, head of state of the United Kingdom, Canada and several other Commonwealth nations, died after a 70-year reign aged 96 on September 8. “For longer than many of us have lived, Queen Elizabeth II has reigned over us,” said Helen Stewart, president of Branch 25 of the Royal Canadian Legion in a speech she delivered at the Cenotaph on Monday. About 35 members of the public attended the ceremony. As the head of an organization made up of veterans and working to meet their needs, Stewart noted that Queen Elizabeth herself served in the Second World War. “He had a passion for veterans. He treated Canada with respect and dignity and we return that respect today.” “Change is not easy, especially after 70 years,” Stewart said. “We felt comfortable in our relationship with her. It was like “he’ll be here forever.” There will be many changes for those currently serving, for our veterans and for the Royal Canadian Legion and there will always be that hole in our hearts where he lived for so many years.” Monday’s ceremony included a wreath-laying by Stewart – accompanied by 49th Field Regiment Honorary Lt. Col. Clyde Healey and Honorary Lt. Col. Donna Hilsinger – O Canada and The Last Post played by the Legion’s Drum and Trumpet band and a prayer by Helen Smith, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25 padre. “With the death of our beloved Queen Elizabeth II comes a new era. We have charged ourselves with the same oath, but now give it to her successor, King Charles III. We will give him our faith as we did his mother. Long live the King,” Stewart said.
