In
her message for Commonwealth Day, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
reflects on this year’s theme of ‘A Peace-building Commonwealth’ and the
onward journey of The Queen’s Baton Relay:
"Carried
on its way by thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds, by the
time it reaches its final destination, The Queen’s Baton will have
brought together through its route and symbolism, almost 2.5 billion
people who share the special connection of being Commonwealth citizens.”
Read The Queen’s message in full below:
In
her companion message for Commonwealth Day, Secretary-General of the
Commonwealth Patricia Scotland reflects on the “Commonwealth advantage”
and a new initiative to end violence against women, men and children:
“It
has been uplifting to see – in a remarkable range of circumstances and
contexts – the strength of Commonwealth connection flourishing and in
action for the benefit of all.”
Read more online
Find out more about Commonwealth Day 2017
Commonwealth Day Message by Her Majesty The Queen, Head of the Commonwealth
This
Commonwealth Day, a baton will set out from Buckingham Palace and begin
a long and extraordinary journey. Over the next twelve months, the
Baton will visit people living in the nations and territories of our
Commonwealth family in every continent and ocean.
Carried
on its way by thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds, by the
time it reaches its final destination, The Queen’s Baton will have
brought together through its route and symbolism, almost 2.5 billion
people who share the special connection of being Commonwealth citizens.
Contained
within the Baton will be a written message that will be opened and read
at the Commonwealth Games in Australia next year. However, there is an
even more powerful message to be seen and experienced as the Baton
passes from hand to hand, from seashore to mountaintop, through cities,
towns, and villages. It is the message of a peace-building
Commonwealth.
The
cornerstones on which peace is founded are, quite simply, respect and
understanding for one another. Working together, we build peace by
defending the dignity of every individual and community.
By
upholding justice and the rule of law, and by striving for societies
that are fair and offer opportunities for all, we overcome division and
find reconciliation, so that the benefits of progress and prosperity may
be multiplied and shared.
As
members of the Commonwealth family we can find much to be thankful for
in the inheritances we have received from those who came before us.
Through consensus and cooperation great things have been achieved.
We
can find further reward and fulfilment by continuing to collaborate
with others in a spirit of goodwill to build a peaceful and abundant
future for all Commonwealth citizens.