Rainbow Girls International

Millions of Australians packed the streets to watch the Royal procession and the public affection continued throughout the decades of her reign.

‘Since I first stepped ashore here in Sydney in February 1954 I have felt part of this rugged, honest creative land,’ she said during her visit in 2000. She made her last visit in 2011 during a time of bushfires, floods and drought.

‘The world witnessed the anguish of Australians as they lived through a summer of natural disasters. We were inspired by the courage and resolution by those affected in the face of crippling desolation. Ever since my first visit I have watched Australia grow and develop at an extraordinary rate. This country has made dramatic progress in many areas and above all in self-confidence,’ she said.

During her visits she performed many public ceremonies which included the opening of the Sydney Opera House, Commonwealth and Olympic Games, a session of Federal Parliament and a Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Perth.

Her meetings also extended to more public areas such as cricket and football matches, watched surfers at Bondi, visited the Barrier Reef and sheep farms and on the 1977 three weeks tour managed to visit every State in Australia.

The Queen was born on 21 April 1926 and was christened Elizabeth Alexandra Mary of Windsor.

When her grandfather King George V died, Prince Edward ascended to the throne only to abdicate, bringing King George VI as the new monarch of the British Empire and Princess Elizabeth as the next in line.

She made her first public speech in 1940 at the age of 14 and two years later carried out her first public engagement at the age of 16 when she inspected a regiment. On 20 November 1947 she married Lieutenant Phillip Mountbatten with Prince Charles born in November 1948.

Her world changed while touring Kenya in 1952 when her father, King George VI died and she returned to England as Queen Elizabeth II.

Leila carries the flag

It was a big day for one Australian when Leila Rodeghiero was given the honour of carrying the Australian flag at the Eastern Star opening ceremony in Oklahoma City in August.

About 1,000 members attended the Special Session for the 100th meeting of the Order.

Leila Rodeghiero had worked hard to raise funds to assist with her travel and was also honoured by carrying the Australian flag during the Cavalcade of Flags on the closing day.

The Rainbow girls were founded in Oklahoma in April 1922 and are now active in many parts of the world including Australia.

Leila (right) with newly Installed Supreme Worthy Advisor, Mrs Kay Letterman of North Carolina

Rainbow is a non-profit organization that strives to give girls the tools, training, and encouragement to let their individual spirits shine bright. By providing members with a safe, fun, caring environment where responsible, older girls can interact and mentor younger girls through family involvement.

..to all the members of the masonic family!

B F C

R L

International Rainbow Girls

Email: rainbowgirls74@gmail.com Web: iorg-nsw-sa.org

Order of the Eastern Star

Web: www.oesaustralia.org.au