Op Ed: On The Passing Of Queen Elizabeth II

Aron Wieder is a Rockland County Legislator.

The world has lost a true leader with the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and I offer my sincerest condolences to her family, friends and all who admired Her Majesty.

Queen Elizabeth learned quickly and from an early age about the complexities of leadership and most importantly, about perseverance and doing what is right even in the face of dire consequences.

As Great Britain refused to give into Nazi threats during World War II, and even faced the possibility of invasion, then-Princess Elizabeth joined the effort to beat back Hitler as fascism rushed over Europe. Great Britain could have given in and possibly avoided such large losses of life, but it opted to fight back and take a stand against evil – a stand that ultimately led to the defeat of Hitler and to the liberation of Europeans, including survivors of the Holocaust.

In 1940, at age 14, then-Princess Elizabeth took to the radio to offer words of support and encouragement to other children who had been sent into the countryside as Nazi bombs fell on civilian targets in London and other towns. As soon as she turned 18, she joined the women’s branch of the British Army, assigned to train as a mechanic, and on the night the war ended in 1945, she pulled her hat low and celebrated along with others who were unaware that she was a princess – a princess who would soon become Queen and their leader.

Over the years, Queen Elizabeth did not order people to follow her will, but offered herself as a leader devoted to serving them and their important causes, asking that they join her in that effort.

Despite political upheaval, wars around the world, economic challenges and well-publicized family strife, Queen Elizabeth found a way through the trials and tribulations, earning the respect and the love of her people as well as admirers around the world.

In a message to New Yorkers after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, she said, ‘Grief is the price we pay for love.’ She lived a long, exemplary and exceptional life, but we grieve for the loss of her leadership, grace, elegance, compassion, and moxie. There will never be another like her.