Media Advisory - Statement by the Honourable David C. Onley, O.Ont., Lieutenant Governor of Ontario

TORONTO, May 31, 2012 /CNW/ - This Saturday, June 2^nd, is Coronation Day, a reminder that on this day in 1953, before prime ministers and heads of state from around the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II took the Coronation Oath to serve her people.

Following the death of her father, King George VI, Princess Elizabeth was formally proclaimed Queen, Head of the Commonwealth and Defender of the Faith in February 1952. This year, throughout the Commonwealth, we celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of that event, known as the Accession.

Even before she became Queen, the young princess had made clear her dedication to her people. In a broadcast to the Commonwealth in 1947, she declared: "My whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service." Clearly, hers has been a long life of service and her youthful idealism remains undiminished by time. In this, she continues to inspire us all to do likewise.

Throughout 2012, we will celebrate Her Majesty's 60^th Anniversary by recognizing the commitment to service that defines us as Ontarians.

On June 18^th, in the presence of His Excellency David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, I will mark the Diamond Jubilee by hosting a Gala at Roy Thomson Hall, with Ontarians who have received the Order of Canada and/or the Order of Ontario for services to their province and country.

In the meantime, I encourage Ontarians to celebrate Coronation Day by reflecting on ways in which they might better serve their communities.

Ishbel Halliday
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
416-325-7789
www.lt.gov.on.ca