Commonwealth nations celebrate Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee with song.
In Australia, Prime Minister Julia Gillard lights one of 4,000 beacons around the world that mark the queen's 60 years on the throne.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER, JULIA GILLARD, SAYING:
"We are reflecting on a life well lived, a life of sacrifice, a life of service. And to the young people who are here with us this evening, I hope one thing you'll always remember about tonight is that example of the Queen spending her life in the service of others."
In New Zealand, the beacon lighting event was smaller, but no less joyous.
The queen is head of state for several nations, including Australia and New Zealand, prompting hot debate between republicans and monarchists.
Although Gillard is a republican, she says the country will remain under Queen Elizabeth's soverignty until she passes due to her popularity.
The monarch ascended the throne in 1953 after the death of her father King George VI.
Jessica Gray, Reuters
