Photo: The late Queen Elisabeth II (from The Royal Family Facebook).

 

September 20, 2022

 

On September 8, 2022, the world lost a great leader. Queen Elizabeth II of England died at the age of 96 (1952.2.6-2022.9.8). The entire globe is in mourning, and the Queen's coffin has been put in Westminster Abbey. The Palace of Westminster was accessible to the public for four days to pay respect to the Queen. The crowds and dragons spanned several kilometers. On the 19th, the state burial was held, and practically all of the world's leaders of state were there.

 

After the war, Queen Elizabeth II, who ascended to the throne at the age of 25, saved Britain. Throughout her reign, Britain's postwar national power was on the verge of collapse, and the British Empire was on the verge of disintegration. Elizabeth sought to construct the Great Britain Association to rescue Britain and maintain the connection with the nominal dependent territories.

 

During World War II, at the age of 13, Princess Elizabeth II addressed the nation, saying, "When peace comes, remember that our children today will build tomorrow a better and happier world." She served in the logistical support unit during World War II as a driver and technician. She is one of the few female members of the royal family who actually fought in the battle.

 

Queen Elizabeth II was the longest reigning queen in British history, ruling for 70 years. She prioritized her national duty above her personal life. She represented not just the British spirituality, but also the queen's wisdom, generosity, and courage. It has had a profound impact on individuals all across the world and has served as a model for a generation. When the 911 terrorist attacks occurred in the United States in 2001, the Queen famously said, "Grief is the price we pay for love." To show her affection for the United States, The Queen instructed Buckingham Palace to break tradition and play the American national anthem while the guards changed shifts, demonstrating her caring, kind, and peace-keeping attitude.

 

In the eyes of the majority of British people, Queen Elizabeth II is a symbol of national unity, and has helped the United Kingdom to enhance its soft power in the British Association and the international community.  British Prime Ministers, whether or not they support the monarchy, have given the Queen a high rating.  Former Prime Minister Tony Blair once said the Queen's advice was valuable because of her "extraordinary sharp and unique view of world affairs".  The Queen, who has reigned for 70 years, has lived through many important moments around the world and delivered many speeches, working to promote global love and peace.

 

Dr. Hong Tao-Tzu, president of the Federation Of World Peace And Love, has led his disciples to travel all over the world to promote a culture of love, peace and conscience for a long time.  When the 911 terrorists attack occurred in 2001, Dr. Hong happened to visit New York City at the time.  He and his disciples decided to hold the Bell Ringing ceremony there 3 days in a row. The major purpose was to pray for the United Stated and for the world to comfort people’s hearts with peaceful energy.  Based on the mutual ideals of promoting world love and peace, Dr. Hong started to exchange letters with Queen Elizabeth in 2002.  In 2019, Dr. Hong sent to the Queen the paper he presented in New York and two books on International Day of Conscience and got her high remarks in return.

 

At the United Nations conference on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2002 and in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2012, Queen Elizabeth were both invited by Dr. Hong, to attend the Bell Ringing ceremony.  Even though the Queen could not participate in person, she sent her well wishes to both events.  During the conference in Rio, there were 25 heads of state, ministers and NGO leaders rang the Bell, including the former president of Costa Rica, Laura Chinchilla, former Vice President of the Republic of Angola, Mr. Fernando, former president of East Timor and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Jose Ramos-Horta, prime minister of Portugal, Pedro Passos Coelho and the prime minister of Bhutan, Jigme Thinley.  They all prayed for their own country and the world.

 

Queen Elizabeth II set a respected example as a world leader for her country and for the world.  She was the longest-serving monarch, devoted 70 years of her life to serving her country until her death.  She even participated in the appointment of the new prime minister two days before she passed away.  At a time of chaotic global condition with frequent natural disasters, ongoing wars and anxious people, we hope the world leaders can focus on world peace and stability out of their conscience and responsibilities and continue to carry forward the spirit and belief of the Queen Elizabeth II.