Finlay Bridge to light in purple to honour QEII’s 70th anniversary of ascension to the throne

By COLLIN GALLANT on June 2, 2022.

cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant

Finlay Bridge will be lit in royal purple this coming week as Medicine Hat and cities around the world observe the 70th anniversary of the ascension of Queen Elizabeth II to the throne.

Locations throughout the Commonwealth will honour the head of state through an effort to light “beacons” as a symbol of her reign and status as the long-serving monarch of the U.K,, Canada and the Commonwealth.

More than 200,000 local events are planned in the U.K. alone over a four-day weekend. All 54 Commonwealth capital cities will host an official beacon, which were first used to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897.

Medicine Hat will not officially be recognized as having a “beacon,” essentially a certified torch built to certain official and aesthetic standards.

However, having the bridge serve the purpose was “absolutely appropriate,” according to Bill Cocks, a former alderman considered as one of the city’s leading monarchists.

“She is the only monarch that many of us have ever known,” said Cocks, adding people’s fondness for her seems to grow. “That is to be celebrated.”

The official observance, beginning June 2 in London, will continue through June 5.

Finlay bridge will be lit each night through Tuesday.

A guest book will also be available for the public to sign at city hall today until June 17.