JUDY WOODRUFF, CNN ANCHOR: In London, a bomb scare blamed on Irish dissidents did little to disrupt festivities marking the Queen Mother's 100 birthday. Bomb threats closed down three busy railway stations, forcing many well-wishers to find another way to the celebration. For more on Wednesday's pageantry, here's CNN's Fionnuala Sweeney.</s>FIONNUALA SWEENEY, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): She began her life almost 100 years ago, and on Wednesday, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, saw parts of that colorful and eventful history reenacted before her. With scenes from the Second World War clearly delighting her. Seven thousand people took part in the pageant, including members of the military and from more than 300 charities with which she is affiliated. It was a very special tribute to the most senior and arguably the most loved member of the British royal family. She rarely speaks in public, but found to words to thank those who took part in the pageant.</s>QUEEN ELIZABETH I: I would just like to say a heartfelt thank you to all those who've come from far and near to take part in this lovely brigade. It's been a great joy to me.</s>SWEENEY: There were fly-pasts by planes from the Second World War, musical tributes from numerous military bands, as well as dance performances by children from all over the country.</s>JON MILLS, ACTOR: Dear ma'am, to say thank you for everything you have meant to the people of this nation and the commonwealth.</s>SWEENEY: A touching tribute from the great British actor Sir John Mills, himself 92 years of age. (on camera): It took two years the to plan, cost more than half a million dollars, and included a cast of thousands. But there was only one star of today's show, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, who celebrates her 100th birthday in just 16 days time. Fionnuala Sweeney, CNN, London.
Queen Mother Celebrates Upcoming 100th Birthday