The Queen and September 11th
The Queen and September 11th
A look at how Queen Elizabeth II responded when America was experiencing unimaginable grief
Happy Friday!
Both yesterday and today, one cannot turn on any type of news media without hearing them talking about the Queen’s life.
It was an extraordinary life of duty, and one she did not expect to have given her birth order and father.
However, I wanted to talk about something a little bit different about the Queen:
her response to one of our country’s worst moments that happened 22 years ago this Sunday.
First, I thought I’d start off with this package from the legendary newsman, Peter Jennings and my former employer:
Tangent: I loved working at 47 west 66th for many reasons, but working in the building that Jennings was known for was a highlight I won’t soon forget. More so than Texans like Schieffer and Rather, and others like Brokaw, I loved watching Jennings anchor special coverage.
What do I find striking about this move from the Queen?
Well, for one, symbolism matters.
Here the monarch of the United Kingdom was playing an anthem that was written when the United States was at war with the UK. She ordered it to be played outside Buckingham Palace.
She had the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rev. George Carey, hold a prayer service at St. Paul’s Cathedral in solidarity with our country.
Side note: You forget that songs like the Battle Hymn of the Republic are songs that are really only known in this country until you see a prayer service full of Brits trying to sing it.
Obviously, most of the world stood with us when those terrible attacks happened. From Putin in Russia to other countries who may not seem friendly to America, most offered their condolences.
Still, even with our Special Relationship, the Queen’s response stuck out more than the others.
Quickhitters
I was on social media yesterday trying to find the video when the BBC announced her death, when I saw a lot of irreverent tweets regarding her passing. From people making jokes about the US beating the UK in the revolutionary war, to Meghan Markle jokes, colonialism jokes, to Irish straight up saying “Lizzy’s in a Box” at a football match, it made me sad.
Speaking of ill-timed tweets around someone notable’s death, I wonder what Felicia Sonmez is up to currently.
While gearing up for the new football season, I’ve been watching a lot of sports media interviews with Joe Buck and Troy Aikman. Funniest story I heard? Tony Romo walking past Joe Buck in Lake Tahoe and saying “You’re welcome” to him. For those not in the know, Romo’s deal with CBS helped reset the market for play by play announcers and game analysts.
Saying that, I agree when Charles Barkley said that his mom had bad timing in having him. Somehow, I still think he is getting paid well.
Thanks to the subscriber who lives on the Upper East Side and works at a financial investment banking firm downtown for correcting my error from yesterday: It’s the Las Vegas Golden Knights.
I have been to one hockey game in my life. I still think the Rangers are more important in baseball than hockey.
How many U.S. Presidents have owned the New York Rangers? I’ll wait.
I also thought that Arlington, Texas is more well known than Arlington, Virginia until I first went to DC.
I also did not know what Long Island was before I moved to NYC let alone that you don’t live in LI, you live on LI. I only had Long Island Iced Teas. (This last sentence is a joke for my parents’ friends who see this on Facebook.)
I bet people in New York and California can’t pronounce Bexar.
I started watching Severance yesterday. I’m split on how I feel about it.
Bad dad joke, I know. I like it! Adam Scott has a future in acting, I think.
Speaking of productions featuring John Turturro: I’m watching Quiz Show this weekend.
I will be writing about Manu tomorrow and his induction into the HOF
I will be writing about the September 11th attacks on Sunday.
Hope y’all have a great day!
