No, this is not about 1776.  It is under current events after all!  But yes, America is but 6 months away from another British Invasion!  Unlike the one of 64, or the one of Diana and Charles, this one is "A Really Big Shoe!  Really Big!".

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip are coming over in May for the 400th (that has a word, but who remembers it other than spelling bee contestants?) anniversary of the settling of Jamestown!  And I got a front row seat!  And yes, I am going to be there to see the lady and her husband!

Unlike 1964 (when I was but a mere lad) and 1981 (I don't cotton to either of them, sorry Diane Chambers, I am not an Anglophile), I am looking forward to this.  Queen Elizabeth II is more than just a figure head of Jolly olde England.  She is also, in my case, a very respected head of government.  One who has governed wisely and leastly (OK!  I know you got Parliament!).  But unlike the tabloid children and siblings, Queen Elizabeth II (I will not denigrate her with a QEII) has stayed above the trash and scandals.  And brought back a noblesse oblige to royalty.

Will I bow to her?  Certainly!  Out of respect for the lady she is.  Will I wave the British Flag?  No.  After all, it was her ancestor that we did get mad at.  But like all Americans (well almost all), we do not bear grudges over centuries.  And I think for her to Honor our founding (OK, St. Petersburg is older, as well as the native American culture) with a visit says a lot to me.  And I am honored by her thoughts in our 400th anniversary.

I guess I want to see a great lady.  We have some good ones here, but I missed Margaret Thatcher, and don't want to miss another one.  One can be great through accomplishments or deeds.  Margaret Thatcher was one of the former.  Queen Elizabeth is one of the latter.  She has always been someone to respect, even if she lead a gilded life.  She rose above that.

Hail to the Queen!  God Save the Queen!

p.s. As an Aside, the first time I saw Jamestown was when the Beatles invaded the US.  The 2 have nothing to do with each other, but it is an interesting tid bit of trivia.