Queen Elizabeth II said the Commonwealth was the"face of the future" in her annual Christmas message today and described 2009 as a"difficult year."
The queen said the diversity of its 54 member states and its billion-strong population aged under 25 showed the Commonwealth could transcend political, religious and racial boundaries.
"2009 was a difficult year for many, in particular those facing the continuing effects of the economic downturn," the 83-year-old monarch said.
"We may ourselves be confronted by a bewildering array of difficulties and challenges, but we must never cease to work for a better future for ourselves and for others." As the deadliest year for British armed forces since the Falklands War with Argentina in 1982 drew to a close, the queen paid tribute to servicemen and women fighting in Afghanistan.
"I am sure that we have all been affected by events in Afghanistan and saddened by the casualties suffered by our forces serving there," she said.
"Our thoughts go out to their relations and friends who have shown immense dignity in the face of great personal loss."Of Commonwealth members, Australia, Britain, Canada, New Zealand and Singapore have troops serving in Afghanistan."The debt of gratitude owed to these young men and women, and to their predecessors, is indeed profound," the queen said.
Source : http://www.indiareport.com/India-usa-uk-news/latest-news/726845/FeaturedArticles/14/20/14
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