November 8, 2013

Chris Matthews Presides at Gala Black Tie Gala in Fairmont Hotel

David EisenhowerThe 30th International Churchill Conference culminated with a commanding presentation by David Eisenhower about the relationship between his grandfather, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Winston Churchill. Joined by his wife Julie Nixon Eisenhower, daughter of Pres. Richard M. Nixon, David and Mrs. Eisenhower represented two American presidents who personally met and admired Churchill.  Broadcaster Christopher Matthews, a Churchill Centre Board Trustee, served as Master of Ceremonies.

The evening wrapped up a week in Washington, D.C. that started with the dedication of a bust in the United States Capitol building donated by The Churchill Centre.  Conference attendees toured the National Cryptologic Museum and the home of Gen. George C. Marshall the next day.  There followed two days of panels at The George Washington University, which will become host of the National Churchill Library & Center being established by The Churchill Centre.  The Black Tie Banquet marks the traditional conclusion of the annual Churchill conferences.

David Eisenhower is the author of Eisenhower at War 1943-45, which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 1986 and is the Director of the Institute for Public Service at the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania.  He is also the namesake of Camp David, the northern Maryland retreat of US presidents since Franklin Roosevelt.  Mr. Eisenhower spoke of his personal encounter with Winston Churchill when the Prime Minister visited Ike in the White House and the presidential grandchildren were made to put on their “itchy Sunday clothes.”  Most of the speech, however, was a serious analysis of the working relationship between Churchil and Eisenhower.

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Julie Nixon EisenhowerDavid was introduced by his wife Julie, with whom he co-authored Going Home to Glory: a Memoir of Life with Dwight D. Eisenhower 1961-1969.  Mrs. Eisenhower is also the author of a biography of her mother First Lady Pat Nixon. The two Eisenhowers answered questions at the end of David’s speech.

The 31st International Churchill Conference will be held April 3-6 In New Orelans, LA in partnership with the National World War II Museum.  The theme will be “Winston Churchill: Fighting & Writing”.  2014 marks the 70th anniversary year of the D-Day landings.  There will also be a second conference in 2014 to mark the centenary of the First World War.  This conference will take place October 9-11 in Kansas City, MO in partnership with the National World War I Museum.  Details about both conferences will be forthcoming in the Chartwell Bulletin.Master of Ceremonies Chris Matthews (right) joins Randolph Churchill and Jennie Repard at 30th International Churchill Conference Gala Banquet