Chattanoogans remember life of Queen Elizabeth II
Local residents believe the 96-year-old monarch left a worldwide impact
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — For 70 years, Queen Elizabeth II served as an inspiration to many throughout both England and the world.
Her Majesty passed away Thursday at the age of 96.
The mood suddenly turned somber for many residents once the news made its way across the pond to the Tennessee Valley.
Long-time Chattanooga radio personality Richard Winham was born and raised in England and says that he, among others, feel as if Queen Elizabeth was a part of their families.
He recalls reading one woman calling the monarch “her grandmother” and describes his relationship with the queen as “parasocial.”
“It’s weird!” Winham said. “We don’t know her but her face is on every banknote. When they convene Parliament every year, she’s the first person to speak. She is the glue that holds together the idea of Great Britain, I guess.”
UTC senior Mal O’Connell, like Winham, is native to Europe and was raised in Ireland before moving to the United States.
He believes whether you’re a young Englishman, Irishman or American, those belonging to his generation will remember her as someone who “transgressed politics.”
“I believe that she represents an ideology that many people admire and she upheld the standards to which a monarch should, which is kindness, fairness and equality,” O’Connell said.
Even some local businesses are taking time to reflect on the Royal Family.
The folks at the Hair of the Dog downtown are offering “Royal Flush” drink specials all weekend to honor both the new king and the beloved queen.
“She definitely provided stability to a world that needed a lot of that, especially with the far-reaching British empire,” Durby said. “It’s a sad day to see such an iconic figure pass away. She’s had a big impact around the world for sure and it will be interesting to see how Charles takes over.”
As many on social media continue to offer their prayers and thanks, all three men agree — the queen will be missed.
“On a day like today, I think everybody from the country, whether they live there or not, is unified in this incredible sense of loss,” Winham said. “I don’t think there are very many people living who remember a time when she was not the queen.”
Reverend Brad Whitaker of Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in Chattanooga says, “Her Majesty was known to be a person of deep faith who devoted her life to the service of others. May her soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace and rise in glory.”
