文档介绍：伊丽莎白圣诞致辞文本文档 Text of the Queen's Christmas message Each year that passes seems to have its own character. Some leave us with a feeling of satisfaction, others are best forgotten. 2009 was a difficult year for many, in particular those facing the continuing effects of the economic downturn. I am sure that we have all been affected by events in Afghanistan and saddened by the casualties suffered by our forces serving there. Our thoughts go out to their relations and friends who have shown immense dignity in the face of great personal loss. But, we can be proud of the positive contribution that our servicemen and women are making, in conjunction with our allies. Well over 13,000 soldiers from the United Kingdom, and across monwealth - Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore - are currently serving in Afghanistan. The debt of gratitude owed to these young men and women, and to their predecessors, is indeed profound. It is 60 years since monwealth was created and today, with more than a billion of its members under the age of 25, anisation remains a strong and practical force for good. Recently, I attended monwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Trinidad and Tobago and heard how important monwealth is to young people. munication technologies allow them to reach out to the wider world and share their experiences and viewpoints. For many, the practical assistance works of monwea