QUEEN ELIZABETH has said her visit to Ireland last May has provided hope for the future.
In her traditional Christmas Day televised address, she said the past year had seen some memorable and historic visits – to Ireland and from America.
She added: “The spirit of friendship so evident in both these nations can fill us all with hope.
“Relationships that years ago were once so strained have, through sorrow and forgiveness, blossomed into long-term friendship.
“It is through this lens of history that we should view the conflicts of today, and so give us hope for tomorrow.”
Film footage showing the Queen with former president Mary McAleese, and her visit to the Garden of Remembrance, was shown during the address.
The Queen recorded this year’s address at an army barracks in Windsor, making it the first time it was shot entirely on location.
She said she chose the venue to draw attention to the many servicemen and women who were stationed far from home this Christmas.
“It is not just a matter of separation, the men and women of the services continue to face serious risks and dangers as they carry out their duties,” she added. “They have done this brilliantly.”
The Queen said everybody had very good reasons for feeling proud of their achievements, both in war and as they helped to build a lasting peace in trouble spots across the globe.
None of it could be achieved without paying a price.
“I know that all our thoughts at this time are with the families who are suffering the pain of bereavement,” she added.
“All those who have recently lost a close relative or friend will know how difficult Christmas can be.”
The Queen said the individual servicemen and women were “our neighbours and come from our own towns and villages; from every part of the country and from every background”.
She added that she had an opportunity recently at the barracks to meet some of those who played their part with such distinction in the Iraq operations.
“I was left with a deep sense of respect and admiration for their steadfast loyalty to each other and to our nation,” she added.
“I believe there is a lesson for us all here.”
She said she was reminded of the importance of teamwork when presenting, for the first time last summer, the Queen’s awards for voluntary service by groups within the community.
“I have been struck by how often people say to me that they are receiving their reward on behalf of a team and that they do not deserve to be singled out,” she added.
“This annual award recognises the team rather than the individual.”
