The Churchill Series – July 3, 2006

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


From a Washington Times feature on the Library of Congress’ Churchill and the Great Republic exhibit which opened in 2004

As the British minister in charge of munitions during World War I, Churchill had worked closely with American industry and with the U.S. munitions chief, Bernard Baruch, who was later an adviser to the Roosevelt and Truman administrations. Churchill's familiarity with America proved vital to his role leading Britain in World War II.

"Well before the outbreak of the Second World War, he is very well-informed about American affairs, and he has seen firsthand the industrial might and potential of the United States," said [British historian Alan] Packwood, who will address a noon luncheon today at the Heritage Foundation.

The library’s exhibit is extremely interesting. The site I’ve linked to is interactive. You’ll find letters, telegrams, photos and other memorabilia. My favorite item is a letter Churchill wrote on his first visit to America. He had just turned 21 and visited New York, met some of the 400 and gone up to West Point. He tells his 15 year old brother Jack all about it.

The library's site is a very appropriate place to visit on July 4.

I wish you all a very happy Fourth. We have a great county. Churchill loved it.