Commonwealth Day
The second Monday of March is Commonwealth Day - 8 March in 2010. Commonwealth Day is a day to remember, celebrate and learn about the Commonwealth.
On Commonwealth Day, the Head of the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II, delivers her Commonwealth Day message and leads a multifaith observance at Westminster Abbey in London. This is attended by representatives of Commonwealth countries and children offer the flags of member nations for blessing. Flags also fly in Parliament Square and at Marlborough House in London, where the Commonwealth Secretariat is housed.
The Queen's message is broadcast throughout the Commonwealth, and in many countries augmented by a message from the president or prime minister, or another senior minister. The Commonwealth Secretary-General also issues a statement, which is read on radio or published in many countries.
The multifaith observance held at Westminster Abbey, too, is replicated in the cathedrals, temples, mosques and churches of other member countries. As with the London ceremony, these include readings from the sacred texts of the Commonwealth's major religions of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and others.
The Commonwealth Secretariat sends a colourful poster on the Commonwealth to schools in member countries, each year focusing on a different theme.
Young people are central to Commonwealth Day, and the second Monday in March was selected by Commonwealth leaders because it was a day when most schools would be in session. The many activities schools have initiated include mini-Commonwealth Games, simulated Heads of Government Meetings (where students play the roles of different leaders), project studies of the geography, ecology, products or societies of other Commonwealth countries, and celebrations of the cultural and artistic diversity of the Commonwealth through exhibitions, readings, dance and drama. Quizzes to test student knowledge of Commonwealth affairs are popular; and also collections of stamps and product labels.
Queen's Commonwealth Day Message for 2007