英国女王伊丽莎白2009年圣诞致辞

圣诞致辞演讲是英国王室传统。1932年，当时的英国国王乔治五世首次发表圣诞节讲话。77年之后，现年83岁的女王身穿天蓝色服装，饰以钻石珍珠胸针，戴着珍珠项链，面带微笑，继续她第57次圣诞致辞。以下为英国女王伊丽莎白2009年圣诞致辞：

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.

过去每年似乎都各具特点。一些年份让我们心满意足，一些年份则最好忘却。2009年对很多人来说都不好过，尤其是那些深受经济衰退之苦的人们。

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.

我相信，我们所有人都受到阿富汗战事影响，为英军士兵伤亡感到悲伤。我们向这些士兵的家人和朋友表示慰问，他们面对巨大个人损失表现得无比高尚。

But, we can be proud of the positive contribution that our servicemen and women are making, in conjunction with our allies.

但我们应该为我们的士兵与盟友作出的积极贡献而感到骄傲。

Well over 13,000 soldiers from the United Kingdom, and across the Commonwealth - Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore - are currently serving in Afghanistan.

英国和包括加拿大、澳大利亚、新西兰和新加坡在内的英联邦国家眼下共有超过1.3万名士兵在阿富汗服役。

The debt of gratitude owed to these young men and women, and to their predecessors, is indeed profound.

我们对这些年轻士兵以及先前在阿富汗服役过的士兵表示深深感激。

It is 60 years since the Commonwealth was created and today, with more than a billion of its members under the age of 25, the organisation remains a strong and practical force for good.

今年是英联邦成立60周年，今天其成员国25岁以下人口超过10亿，为它保持长久的强大和实用提供了力量源泉。

Recently I attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Trinidad and Tobago and heard how important the Commonwealth is to young people.

最近我刚刚参加了在特立尼达和多巴哥举行的英联邦政府首脑会议，听到联邦对年轻人是多么重要。

New communication technologies allow them to reach out to the wider world and share their experiences and viewpoints. For many, the practical assistance and networks of the Commonwealth can give skills, lend advice and encourage enterprise.

新的通信技术使他们能够接触到更广阔的世界，分享他们的经验和观点。对于许多人来说，英联邦的实际援助与网络可以提供技能，给予意见和鼓励进取。

It is inspiring to learn of some of the work being done by these young people, who bring creativity and innovation to the challenges they face.

令人鼓舞的是，我了解到一些年轻人正在做着一些事情，他们面对挑战，富于创造力和创新精神。

It is important to keep discussing issues that concern us all - there can by no more valuable role for our family of nations. I have been closely associated with the Commonwealth through most of its existence.

对关系到我们所有人的问题保持讨论很重要，它让我们的大家庭产生更大的价值。在英联邦成立以来的大部分时间里，我都同它联系紧密。

The personal and living bond I have enjoyed with leaders, and with people the world over, has always been more important in promoting our unity than symbolism alone.

我个人同各国领袖、人民密不可分。这不单是象征意义，也能促进我们的团结。

The Commonwealth is not an organisation with a mission. It is rather an opportunity for its people to work together to achieve practical solutions to problems.

英联邦并非一个具某种使命的组织，而更是一个让各国人民合作、解决困难的平台。

In many aspects of our lives, whether in sport, the environment, business or culture, the Commonwealth connection remains vivid and enriching.

在涉及我们生活的许多方面，不论是体育、环境、商业或文化，英联邦国家之间的联系紧密而丰富。

It is, in lots of ways, the face of the future. And with continuing support and dedication, I am confident that this diverse Commonwealth of nations can strengthen the common bond that transcends politics, religion, race and economic circumstances.

在很多方面这展现未来的前景。随着不断的支持和贡献，我相信英联邦国家的多元化能加强各国在政治、宗教、种族和经济环境的凝聚力。

We know that Christmas is a time for celebration and family reunions; but it is also a time to reflect on what confronts those less fortunate than ourselves, at home and throughout the world.

众所周知，圣诞节是欢庆与家人团聚的时候，但我们也可以借这个时机回顾那些国内外不幸者面临的困境。

Christians are taught to love their neighbours, having compassion and concern, and being ready to undertake charity and voluntary work to ease the burden of deprivation and disadvantage.

基督徒被教导要爱他们的邻居，有同情心，乐于慈善和志愿工作，以减轻贫困和不利的负担。

We may ourselves be confronted by a bewildering array of difficulties and challenges, but we must never cease to work for a better future for ourselves and for others.

我们自己会面临一连串的困难和挑战，这些困难和挑战会令我们感到困惑，但我们绝不能停下脚步。而应该继续努力，为自己和他人创造更美好的未来。

I wish you all, wherever you may be, a very happy Christmas.

不论你们现时身在何处，我都祝愿你们圣诞快乐。