by Timothy Riley, Sandra L. and Monroe E Trout Director and Chief Curator

24 January 2025

 

In Memoriam
Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

On this day, in 1965, the world received news that Sir Winston Churchill, The Last Lion, had died at age 90. He died exactly 70 years (to the day) after the death of his father, Lord Randolph Churchill. Sir Winston's death in his London home was not unexpected. Family and close friends had known for weeks that time was short. Years earlier, on his 75th birthday, Churchill quipped, "I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is ready for the ordeal of meeting me is another matter."

Queen Elizabeth II granted Churchill a State Funeral, which was scheduled for January 30. It was attended by tens of thousands and, via television, broadcast to millions across the globe. Churchill's wife, Clementine Spencer-Churchill, at the end of the evening, remarked to her daughter Mary, "It wasn't a funeral, it was a Triumph!" At once the world mourned and celebrated the legacy of one of the most influential and greatest leaders of the 20th century.

It is now 60 years since Sir Winston Churchill was buried outside St. Martin's Church at Bladon in Oxfordshire, a short distance from the place of his birth at Blenheim Palace. Churchill's influence and legacy continues to loom large. A day does not pass without a mention of Churchill somewhere in the world's media.

When considering challenges and problems of today, visitors to America's National Churchill Museum often ask, "What would Winston do about this, or what would he think about that?" We cannot know what he would answer, of course, but the fact people keep asking is a testament to Churchill's leadership, relevance, and importance.

Each of us at America's National Churchill Museum remains grateful to the many supporters--members, visitors, friends, Fellows--who make our work possible.

As we remember Churchill today, it is worth recalling the moving tribute by former U.S. President and Churchill Fellow of Westminster College, Dwight Eisenhower, who said during the broadcast of Churchill's funeral these words:

"My God grant that we--and the generations who will remember him--heed the lessons he taught us; in his deeds; in his words; in his life.

May we carry on his work until no nation lies in captivity; no man is denied opportunity for fulfillment.

And now, to you, Sir Winston--my old friend--farewell."

 

Image: 

Honor and Glory, 1965
Jack Lawrence Miller (British, 1916-1987)
Gift of Benjamin Emge, 1966.15