| 2nd June 1953
I remember this day so well. I was one of several children chosen from my primary school to go to the Embankment on this very wet and cold day. We were up very early and were taken by coach to our allocaed spot by the River Thames. There were hundreds and hundreds of children lining the route along this part of the Embankment. Although it had been raining hard, we had to all sit cross legged on the pavement. In front of us, policemen stood at intervals to keep order. I had a Policeman right in front of me and I can remember thinking "I won't be able to see"! We were all given a pack of sandwiches and a carton of Kiora orange squash. Even now, when I see this drink, it reminds me of Coronation Day!
Eventually, the procession began and the very nice Policeman standing in front of me pushed me to the front so I could see. I was entralled by the Queen and the rest of the Royal Family as they drove past in the gold coach. I had never seen anything like it before. I thought the Queen looked beautiful and very regal.
When I returned home I went to the school playground where a party had been organised. This should have been held in the street but due to the bad weather it was moved into the school. Afterwards we had a lot of sports events where the prizes were memorabilia to do with the coronation. I can remember winning several things with photos of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh on them. We were all given a cup, saucer and plate to commemmorate the day and I still have mine to do this day.
It was really a day to remember and every detail has stuck in my mind - even after nearly 52 years.
Submitted by Jeanoj
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