A portrait of the Queen in every school would be an important step towards respect for the elderly
Wise leader: The Queen is an inspiration to the rest of the country
Millions - billions if we count the world-wide audience - will stop to watch the celebrations for an elderly lady this weekend.
The majority of us will stop what we are doing and observe with great pride and the highest esteem the procession on the Thames to celebrate sixty years of dedicated service by our faithful monarch.
In a country where lack of respect for older people has become an all too frequent feature of newspaper articles, this weekend I believe could mark a turning point.
We will be celebrating a woman whose life transcends celebrity, whose commitment, dedication and humility are an inspiration to monarchists and republicans alike.
For this is an opportunity for our nation not only to mark a long and faithful reign, but the selfless, obedient life of an old lady who has dedicated herself to serving her country and the Commonwealth.
In a society where to be called 'old' has become all but an insult, the Queen offers us the chance to redeem ourselves.
She is, by dint of her age and conduct, an ambassador for the elderly; an old and wise leader that we should be encouraging all our children and grandchildren to look up to, not just because of her service, but because she is old.
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She offers us the chance to take stock, acknowledge the mistakes we have made and return an understanding of being worthy of respect to the meaning of 'old'.
There is a biblical proverb that says 'become wise by walking with the wise'.
Proud: Soldiers stage a dress rehearsal of the royal carriage procession from Westminster Hall to Buckingham Palace today before the celebrations
All those who know the Queen infer as much through having been with her, that they have become wiser through being in the presence of her wisdom.
Most of us won't have the chance to meet her, but this weekend aside, I don't think that there are enough opportunities to be reminded of her stature and service.
Wouldn't having her portrait in every school in the country be a great place to start?
Some may resent the privileges of royalty, but the daily reminder that we have in this country an old lady who has invested her life in the service of others could sow a few seeds of respect in the hearts of the young.
