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Jay Lloyd's Getaway: History Getaway

By Jay Lloyd

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- With the news that Queen Elizabeth has become the longest reigning British monarch in history came social media questions about why Americans should even be mildly interested.

Getaway seekers of history do care.

Think about the getaways to historic destinations and how many involved us with the monarchy. There were the trips to Williamsburg, days at Valley Forge, visits to Washington, attacked by Royal Marines in the War of 1812. American history was solidly linked to the long reigning King George III. He engaged our colonials through the Revolution, the Napoleonic Wars and again in the long War of 1812. His namesake George VI reigned during our closest alliance with Britain, during the chaotic days of World War II.

Many of us travel on destination getaways to the sites of battles and historic events during that tumultuous period. While monarchs no longer have the power, they still represent a sense of stability and historic continuity.

 

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