It's been truly awe-inspiring to watch the ongoing tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II. I've had the BBC livestream playing continuously, and what I've seen is beyond remarkable.
The endless droves of people who pass the royal casket have individual styles in how they say goodbye. Some bow their heads; some bow from the waist. Many wipe away tears or fold their hands in a prayerful pose. Others curtsy, make the Sign of the Cross, whisper words of farewell, wave, salute in military fashion, or blow kisses. Many do any combination of all those things. This continues unabated throughout the days and nights of Elizabeth II's lying in state. Regardless of the hour, the crowds of people never stop coming. The line had to be closed for several hours at one point due to the overwhelming numbers of people wanting to pay their last respects to Queen Elizabeth II.
It's obvious that the Queen was truly beloved by her countrymen in a way no American public figure could ever hope to approach. Can you imagine Americans standing in 24-hour-long lines that stretch for many miles, over the course of several days, to pay last respects to any public figure? I, for one, cannot.
United States history has two and a half centuries to anchor it. The United Kingdom's history reaches back a millennium. This foundation of ancient tradition, seen in the view of the 70-year reign of a dedicated and cherished monarch, lends a special solemnity and deference to the formal events surrounding Elizabeth II's death. I find it fascinating to observe the respectful rituals from afar.
I'm an American to the bone, a Constitutionalist. I believe that our Founders constructed the most brilliant form of government the world has ever known. That does not prevent me from admiring, with a tinge of envy, the impressive national unity, respect, and reverence that the United Kingdom is displaying as they publicly honor their departed Queen. It's a touching moment in history we shall never see again.
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| Queen Elizabeth II lies in state at Westminster Hall, London |
