The Churchill Series - Arp 12, 2006

(One of a series of weekday posts on the life of Winston S. Churchill.)

On April 9, 1963 Churchill, then eighty-nine, was made an honorary citizen of the United States of America. The award was presented by President John F. Kennedy at a White House ceremony.

Churchill was unable to attend because of health but he watch the ceremony from via what was in those days an unusual means: a live satellite feed.

Churchill was represented at the ceremony be his son, Randolph, and his grandson who bears his name.

This link will take you to a page at the Churchill Centre where you can read the grant of citizenship, President Kennedy's remarks, and a response by Churchill which Randolph read.

Together, the three documents remind us of what is best in humanity and the English speaking nations.

I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.