英国女王伊丽莎白2009圣诞致辞

英国女王伊丽莎白2009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。

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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

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