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QUEEN E N' QUEEN VICTORIA

In case you're wondering why you have the day off today, it's because...

In case you're wondering why you have the day off today, it's because...

Victoria Day (in French: Fête de la Reine), colloquially known as May Two-four, May Long, or May Run, is a Canadian statutory holiday celebrated on the last Monday before or on 24 May, in honour of both Queen Victoria's birthday and the current reigning Canadian sovereign's official birthday. It has been marked since before Canada was formed, originally falling on the sovereign's actual birthday, and continues to be celebrated across the country on a fixed date and in various fashions, also being considered an informal mark of the beginning of the summer season.

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Trying to think of a way to tie this into Vancouver specifically I instantly thought of Queen Elizabeth Park. A quick Wikipedia visit told me that it was named after the present queen's mother and dedicated as such by King George VI and her (the O.G. Queen E., pictured above with King G. VI) on their visit to Vancouver in 1939. What the internet does not tell me, however, is if they do anything special there on this day every year. And do the parks employees that work there have Queen Day off as well? These are questions I would appreciate answers to.

Another question is "Will the Queen be opening the Olympics?". Learn about that rumor here and before you do, strictly for trivia purposes please note that is Wayne Gretzky standing behind her in the preview image: