Commonwealth nations celebrate Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee with song.<br/> <br />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.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER, JULIA GILLARD, SAYING:<br/> <br />"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."<br/> <br />In New Zealand, the beacon lighting event was smaller, but no less joyous.<br/> <br />The queen is head of state for several nations, including Australia and New Zealand, prompting hot debate between republicans and monarchists.<br/> <br />Although Gillard is a republican, she says the country will remain under Queen Elizabeth's soverignty until she passes due to her popularity.<br/> <br />The monarch ascended the throne in 1953 after the death of her father King George VI.<br/> <br />Jessica Gray, Reuters
