Happy Commonwealth Day!
Every year Belize observes Commonwealth Day (also known as Sovereign’s Day) on May 24.
This celebration has a long story, beginning at the end of the 19th century, when Queen Victoria was perceived as a motherly figure and represented the expansive British Empire. Queen Victoria died in 1901 and the Earl of Meath promoted a special day for systematic training of children, leading to the creation of Empire Day, observed on May 24.
British Honduras, not yet known as Belize, participated in celebration of Empire Day. However, as the British power waned and the world changed, Empire Day first became British Commonwealth Day in 1958 before being changed again to finally become Commonwealth Day in 1966.
After Belize gained its independence on September 21, 1981 it remained a Commonwealth realm, and we still celebrate Commonwealth Day today.
Happy Birthday Queen Victoria, and Happy Commonwealth Day everyone!
