Commonwealth Day, observed on the second Monday in March, honours the Commonwealth of Nations and its fifty-six member states. Originally observed on May 24, Queen Victoria's birthday, this day was known as "Empire Day." When a member state suggested this date to all other member states of the organisation, it was first celebrated as Commonwealth Day in 1977.
Every year on May 24, Commonwealth Day holds great significance for the nations that were formerly a part of the British Empire. The date was selected to fall on May 24, 1819, the birthday of Queen Victoria of England. The observance date varies globally, though. For example, nations like Belize and India celebrate it on May 24th, while the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada celebrate it on the second Monday of March. In the UK and other Commonwealth nations, Commonwealth Day is observed annually with a different theme.
History
The name Commonwealth Day was changed to Empire Day in 1916 to honour Queen Victoria's birth. In 1916, Lord Meath extended the celebration of Empire Day to all Commonwealth nations. It consequently turned into an important historical event. The British Prime Minister at the time, Harold Macmillan, announced in the British Parliament in 1958 that Commonwealth Day would replace Empire Day. In addition to shared legal systems, business practices, and cultural ties, the Commonwealth and the UK share a common history. According to the Commonwealth Secretariat, all Commonwealth nations will celebrate Commonwealth Day on the second Monday in March.
Significance
Commonwealth Day is "a symbol of unity of emotion to those ideas of freedom, justice, as well as tolerance for which the British Empire stood for across the globe," according to an article from 1916. Reminding all children that they were a part of the British Empire was one of the day's goals when it was known as Empire Day. The kids ought to have international perspectives as well. They must also comprehend what it means to be the offspring of the Empire.
Theme for Commonwealth Day in 2024
One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth' is the theme for Commonwealth Day in 2024. The theme highlights how the 56 member nations must cooperate in order to develop resilience, realise potential, and take advantage of the Commonwealth Advantage. This change is necessary to guarantee everyone has a robust shared future. The aforementioned theme will be the main focus of the annual Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which is held on the second Monday in March. Restructuring the Commonwealth is necessary to guarantee a strong future shared by all.
Events and Festivities
Numerous member states commemorate Commonwealth Day with a range of events and activities, such as flag-raising ceremonies, cultural showcases, and speeches from prominent political figures. It's a day to celebrate the Commonwealth's diversity and the distinct unanimity that unites its member states. In addition, Commonwealth Day offers a chance to consider how crucial cooperation and teamwork are in tackling global issues like poverty, climate change, and conflict.
