THUNDER BAY -- Sis Angus got to experience something that comes along once in a lifetime.
At 97, Angus took in the Thunder Bay's celebration of Queen Elizabeth II becoming the longest-reigning U.K monarch. Around noon Wednesday 89-year-old Elizabeth surpassed her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria, who reigned for 63 years and 216 days.
"It's just a thrill to be here and celebrate," Angus said Wednesday afternoon at city hall.
"To see her come from this child to adulthood and carry on as she has it's been marvelous to see that."
Angus' friend Ann Korcheski, originally from Scotland where the Queen spent the day Wednesday to help reopen a railway, said she wanted to celebrate with the city as the monarchy is a big part of her heritage.
"It was very very nice to hear," Korcheski said of the speeches, bagpipes and toast that marked the event.
"I just think it's wonderful that she's as old as she is and she served for so long. For 63 years that's really quite something."
Acting mayor Coun. Shelby Ch'ng said it was important for the city to commemorate the milestone for someone who's done so much for Canada.
"I think its important to honour the monarchy because they do play a big part in how we interact with our history and our culture," she said.
