The Editor,

Re: "Queen's usefulness next to nil," the Now, June 7.

Michael Booth's column was a nonsensical tirade against our Queen, Elizabeth II.

As a veteran of the Second World War who joined the army at 16, I resent the implication that having a Queen in Canada is redundant.

She stands for a unity of people stretching worldwide united in a sense of historical brotherhood.

She is a symbol who stands above the seamy political spectrum and she has done a magnificent job in fulfilling that role.

How many people of 86 can work 300 days a year in utter perfection?

She cannot make an error and in all reports from those who have had an audience with her, is extremely well informed and intelligent.

Unfortunately, Booth's viewpoint is gaining prominence as our sense of history fades into oblivion with the prevailing view there is nothing we should admire unless it is the talents of athletes and current celebrity personalities.

If royalty is in the decline in Canada, we all will surely be the poorer for it.

Mike Harvey, Langley