Happy birthday, maam

For some, its a welcome treat thats met with great anticipation. For others, it brings back enjoyable memories of childhood and family life.

But no matter how far or wide one travels in life, rarely does anything match a visit to or time spent with ones grandparents.

While many of us dont live near or keep in regular contact with our grandparents, a visit with them remains a delight. Even spending time with other people from their generation can help us feel closer to and remind us of our own grandparents, especially if they live far away or if they have passed on.

Its little wonder then that American President Barack Obama was obviously enthusiastic for he and his wife Michelle to meet Queen Elizabeth II on a recent visit to England.

I'm very much looking forward to meeting [the queen], the president said before the two met at Buckingham Palace.

And as you might imagine, Michelle has been really thinking that through because I think in the imagination of people throughout America, I think what the Queen stands for and her decency and her civility, what she represents, that's very important.

His deference for Her Majesty was also evidenced by video and still photographs taken at the beginning of the meeting which also included the first lady and Prince Philip, the Queens husband.

The two ladies seemed to especially enjoy meeting one another with footage showing them arm in arm.

Her Majesty is delightful, President Obama said to reporters as he and his wife left the palace a few hours later.

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Her Majesty today turns 83 perhaps more beloved than ever, thanks to being seen as a grandmother not only of Great Britain and the Commonwealth, but to the world as well. This persona is akin to the role played by the Queen Mother in the years after her daughter ascended the throne in 1952.

Many of us have our own special memories of and feelings about Her Majesty. Weve listened to her annual Christmastime broadcasts; seen her on television waving from the balcony of Buckingham Palace or opening the British Parliament; or maybe even seeing her in person, either at an official engagement in England or during one of her Majestys many overseas visits.

Did you know this summer marks the 50th anniversary of Her Majesty and Prince Philips visit to Bay St. George? To commemorate the occasion, the Georgian wants to hear your memories of this very special royal visit.

Did you actually meet or shake hands with the royal couple? Stand somewhere near them? Perhaps waved your hand as you stood alongside the road as the couples motorcade drove past? Or even remember your own grandparents excitement at the thoughts of seeing the Queen or Prince Philip? Whatever it is that you can remember we want to know!

Give us a call at 643-4531; send an email to editor thegeorgian.ca; drop into our office at 43 Main Street, Stephenville; write us a letter and send it to: PO Box 283, Stephenville, NL, A2N 2Z4.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Christopher Vaughan