A Winstonian message transcends time - Merry Christmas from the Churchill Center

Maine Writer- Although the world was not experiencing the peak of a deadly coronavirus pandemic in 1941, the globe was darkened by a Second World War. Nevertheless, Winston Churchill rose to the moment by presenting a realistic evaluation of the occasion of Christmas.  We can just add COVID to the Pearl Harbor attack in this message, to deepen our respect for this timeless Winstonian message, sent to me by the Churchill Society.

Included in the message is a link to YouTube videos where the speeches given that day are available for viewing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZTRbNThHnk&mc_cid=364041dba6&mc_eid=d0ff7fe24b

Prime Minister Winston Churchill stands behind President Franklin D Roosevelt as he speaks from the South Portico of the White House during the National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, 24 December 1941. © FDR Library

Winston Churchill visited the United States to celebrate Christmas and the New Year holidays with President Franklin D. Roosevelt 79 years ago, at the White House. At the time, the United States was reeling from the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor and faced an uncertain future having entered into war with Japan. 

Churchill came to Washington to provide support to this fellow English-speaking nation and to begin coordinating the defeat of their shared enemies. 

On the night of December 24, 1941, Churchill gave a speech on the White House portico and delivered the following words that touched the hearts of a nation during a deep crisis:

“Here, in the midst of war, raging and roaring over all the lands and seas….we have tonight the peace of the spirit in each cottage home and in every generous heart….Let the children have their night of fun and laughter. Let the gifts of Father Christmas delight their play. Let us grown-ups share to the full in their unstinted pleasures before we turn again to the stern task and the formidable years that lie before us, resolved that, by our sacrifice and daring, these same children shall not be robbed of their inheritance or denied their right to live in a free and decent world.”

Whatever religion you observe or traditions you partake in, we at the International Churchill Society wish you a healthy and restorative holiday season. We hope you will be able to feel the spirit of the holiday season and find peace in the midst of some of the most trying times in recent memory.

Thank you for your support of the International Churchill Society,

Justin Reash
Executive Director
jreash@winstonchurchill.org
+1-202-929-0309