Queen Elizabeth II - Celebrations of a Diamond Jubillee

QUEEN ELIZABETH II - CELEBRATIONS OF A DIAMOND JUBILEE

A ROYAL VISIT TO PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, CANADA - 1973

The week of June 1st, 2012 will begin special celebrations in London, England for Her Majesty's 60th Diamond Jubilee.

I believe every Canadian police officer feels immense pride whenever Her Majesty visits Canada. 

A Canadian police officer who has been involved in the planning of a Royal Visit also feels his or her Red Serge fit a wee bit snug because the officer's chest also swells with excitement and pride.

Like all RCMP members on Royal Visit's who have preceded me, each of us cannot forget the joy and exhilaration of meeting Her Majesty. 

On Her Majesty's 1973 Visit to Prince Edward Island, I was selected as her driver. It was an opportunity of a life time to be close to Her Majesty and I can recall the events of the Tour clearly today.

Throughout Her Royal Tour, I worked with members all of whom have remained friends down through the many years since 1973. 

The Royal Tour was celebrated in higher fashion by the Force because it was the 100th year Anniversary of the North West Mounted Police (1873 to 1973).

In the photo, in Red Serge beginning on the left:

Cst. Guy Fortin, the top of Guy's head can be seen, it appears he is speaking with Prince Philip,

Cst. Eric Bower,

Cst.Joe Healy,

Cst John Farquar,

Cst. Harry Gibbs, and

Cst. Bill Greenslade

I am grateful that I was given a copy of this photo by Reg.#17166,  S/Sgt. W. R. 'Bill' Haines, 'L' Div. Indent Services. Bill caught this snap in front of the Charlottetown Inn.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685