On April 9, 1963—at 2:45 pm—President John F. Kennedy signed a congressional resolution into law, allowing him to proclaim Winston Churchill an honorary citizen of the United States. 

Join us for a live webcast at 12:00 CDT on April 9 with special guests Allen Packwood OBE, Director of the Churchill Archives Centre at Churchill College, University of Cambridge along with retired political commentator and author, Chris Matthews, as they discuss Winston Churchill's honorary U.S. citizenship, granted on this day in 57 years ago.

 

"We meet to honor a man whose honor requires no meeting—for he is the most honored and honorable man to walk the stage of human history in the time in which we live. By adding his name to our rolls, we mean to honor him—but his acceptance honors us far more. For no statement or proclamation can enrich his name—the name Sir Winston Churchill."

–President John F. Kennedy, April 9, 1963

 

 

 

Allen Packwood OBE Director of the Churchill Archives Centre at Churchill College, University of Cambridge and author of How Churchill Waged War: The Most Challenging Decision of the Second World War.

Chris Matthews retired broadcaster, political commentator the author of Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero. Matthews was the longtime host of Hardball with Chris Matthews and winner of the David Brinkley Award for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Award.

Timothy Riley (moderator) Sandra L. and Monroe E. Trout Director and Chief Curator